The Montelena earthy-berry aroma is very concentrated, showing lovely, classic Cabernet, warm earth and sun baked cassis with licorice and spice. On the palate there is integration of strong, deep, concentrated fruit in a perfect balance. Super fine tannin grips the palate, with ripe, round flavors that dance right on the seam between classic Bordeaux and California styles. I look back on the battle of 2004 with fondness because the wine is so wonderful now. And after 25 or more harvests we love the greatest challenges, because once they are but memories the toughest years become the most legendary adventures.
Robert Parker 94 points - Marked by herb, sage and loamy, earthy dried currant and berry fruit that’s intense and concentrated, but also quite dry and tannic, even bitter. Needs time. Best from 2009 through 2013. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 8,200 cases made. –JL
The inky purple 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers up abundant quantities of sweet earth/loamy soil notes intermixed with black cherry and blackcurrant fruit as well as a floral characteristic. There is superb fruit concentration in addition to a heady blueberry/blackberry component in this effort. Again, these wines need plenty of time to reveal all their attributes, but at the moment, I would be hard pressed to say it’s better than the 2003 or 2002. It should be ready to drink in about five years and last for 25 or more.
