Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Estate (Released 2022) 2010 1.5L

95 points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): "Bright red-ruby. Exceptional aromatic purity and complexity to the aromas of blueberry, cassis, cocoa powder, mocha, spices and minerals; some very ripe berry pie notes emerged with air. Wonderfully creamy, silky and deep; an utterly seamless wine with the underlying soil-driven minerality to energize and frame its fleshy flavors of dark fruits and spices. This is yet another 2010 whose impression of refinement belies the weather extremes of the growing season. Finishes with building but perfectly integrated tannins and outstanding length. This is already approaching its plane of peak drinkability but I'd still want to hold my bottles for at least a few more years. ("You really had to be a good farmer in 2010," noted Bo Barrett) Drink: 2020-2043. (May 2020)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is immediate, juicy and expressive in this vintage. At the same time, it seems pretty clear that the 2010 needs at least a few more years in bottle. Today, it is a bit disjointed as it is neither primary, nor showing too many tertiary notes or complexity. Sweet tobacco, leather, licorice, menthol and spices emerge over time, but the 2010 is a wine built for the cellar. There is plenty of density, but it needs time to emerge. Drink: 2018-2030. (Nov 2013)"

93 points James Suckling: "Extremely attractive aromas of asphalt, blueberry and rose petal. Full body with very well-integrated tannins and a long, long finish. Montelena estate shows a refinement and balance one expects in traditional Napa cabernet sauvignon. Better in 2016. (5/15/14)"

Producer notes: "98.75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.25% Cabernet Franc. Deep, saturated color is just one of the hallmarks of our Estate Cabernet, and this inky purple beauty shows great intensity all the way to the edge of the glass. The nose is loaded with rich aromas of black fruits and spices. Notes of blackberry solicit memories of hot summer afternoons while clove, allspice, vanilla, and hints of cocoa tease with thoughts of baked goodies. Emerging from these layers is a core of brandied cherries, light oak, and a hint of anise. This wine shows a smooth entry that steadily builds to a full, fleshy mid-palate, then evolves seamlessly into a rich, spicy finish that invites you back for more. The black fruits from the nose are evident throughout the palate, and are complemented by lively, red fruit characteristics brought forward by the core of bright acidity. There are loads of fine grain tannins that give mass to the wine without being aggressively astringent, hinting at the delicacy and suppleness that will come with time in the cellar. Barrel aged 22 months in French oak (29% new). Alcohol 14.2%."