Montelena produces two cuvees of Cabernet. The lighter, fruitier Calistoga offering is designed for restaurants and consumers looking for a taste of the Montelena style without as much power, density, and tannin. In contrast to the 1996, the 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga Cuvee is leaner, with a dark ruby color, a cassis-scented nose, a good attack with spice and black fruit, but a dry finish. While attractive, it possesses less fat and flesh than the 1996. However, I should note I tasted this wine immediately after bottling, which can be a particularly difficult time to taste some young wines.
The straight-talking, down to earth Bo Barrett, told me on my visit in October, that 1997 may be the vintage of his career. He was not the only person to say that when talking about Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ... ummmm!
Tel. (707) 942-5105; Fax (707) 942-4221