(90-93)/2022+

Since 2002 there's been no Cabernet in the blend

This extremely promising and stylish effort will need to develop better depth to merit the upper end of my projected range but if it does this could be brilliant

I suspect that it will not improve with further bottle age but should hold steady for another decade

earth and an intriguing mix of spice elements that include clove

Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Size:12x750ml (90-93)/2022+Good deep red. Red berries, pungent herbs, menthol and cedary oak on the nose. Brisk and tightly wound, with edgy flavors of cherry syrup and rhubarb. The tannins are a bit dry but hit the palate late, allowing the red fruit flavors to express themselves on the back. Shows a slight overripe underripe character but I would not be at all surprised if this wine came into better harmony with another year or two of bottle aging. Stephen Tanzer