Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Montelena is a timeless, structured red from one of Napa’s most storied estates — a winery whose legacy helped shape the region’s global reputation.

Montelena became a household name after its 1973 Chardonnay won the Judgment of Paris in 1976, beating top white Burgundies and proving Napa’s potential. While the Chardonnay took the headlines, Montelena’s reputation for crafting serious, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon is just as deeply rooted.

The 2018 vintage presents a textbook Napa profile: deep garnet in the glass, with aromas of black cherry, dried violets, cedar, graphite, and cocoa. On the palate, it’s structured yet elegant, with notes of cassis, blackcurrant, espresso, and baking spices, framed by firm tannins and balanced acidity. The wine spent about 22 months in French oak (small percentage new), allowing for depth and longevity without overpowering the fruit.

This Cabernet is built to evolve — delicious now with a short decant, and even more compelling after 5–10 years of cellaring. Pair with grilled meats, braised short ribs, or aged cheddar.