Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

The interplay of cassis, vanilla, and black cherry are quite complementary yet also dynamic; shifting to fresh blueberry with a hint of tobacco. These, in turn, are buttressed by dark chocolate, mocha, and a slight suggestion of sweet oak. Silky, fine-grain tannins vie with vibrant acidity that slowly exposes the rich, ripe raspberry and blackberry notes that dominate the mid-palate. While the fruit is lush and mouth-coating, some patience will unveil the subtle layers of anise, smoke, and earth hidden beneath. The finish extends the density and structure as cloves and cinnamon combine with nuances of briar and flint, yielding an extraordinarily food-friendly wine.

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

The inky coloured 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a classic blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that spent two years in mostly used barrels. It offers a beautiful, elegant, yet concentrated style in its creme de cassis, liquorice, tobacco leaf, graphite and mineral aromatics. Reminding me of the 2002 with its beautiful depth of fruit and ripe, building tannin, it's an age-worthy, balanced wine that's going to evolve for 2+ decades.