I attended an annual event this past week of my wine group. My contribution was a 3 liter bottle of 1994 Chateau Montelena Cabernet which I purchased at the winery on release many years ago. We opened the bottle two hours before dinner and decanted it about an hour before serving. The wine was deep dark purple with no signs of age. Nose showed lots of blackberry liquer, Napa dust, cassis, coffee grounds and mint. Deep and rich on the palate with ripe black fruits, black earthy notes. Impressive length and concentration without being overweight. Firm but smooth tannins. "A"

On 11/19/13 11:33 AM, Bi!! wrote:
> I attended an annual event this past week of my wine group. My
> contribution was a 3 liter bottle of 1994 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
> which I purchased at the winery on release many years ago. We opened
> the bottle two hours before dinner and decanted it about an hour
> before serving. The wine was deep dark purple with no signs of age.
> Nose showed lots of blackberry liquer, Napa dust, cassis, coffee
> grounds and mint. Deep and rich on the palate with ripe black
> fruits, black earthy notes. Impressive length and concentration
> without being overweight. Firm but smooth tannins. "A"
>

Nice note, Bill. I expect that this wine might outlive both of us.
Montelena's Estate Cab is nearly immortal as it is, and in 3L format...?

Mark Lipton
--
alt.food.wine FAQ: http://winefaq.cwdjr.net

On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 2:34:56 PM UTC-5, Mark Lipton wrote:
> On 11/19/13 11:33 AM, Bi!! wrote:
>
> > I attended an annual event this past week of my wine group. My
>
> > contribution was a 3 liter bottle of 1994 Chateau Montelena Cabernet
>
> > which I purchased at the winery on release many years ago. We opened
>
> > the bottle two hours before dinner and decanted it about an hour
>
> > before serving. The wine was deep dark purple with no signs of age.
>
> > Nose showed lots of blackberry liquer, Napa dust, cassis, coffee
>
> > grounds and mint. Deep and rich on the palate with ripe black
>
> > fruits, black earthy notes. Impressive length and concentration
>
> > without being overweight. Firm but smooth tannins. "A"
>
> >
>
>
>
> Nice note, Bill. I expect that this wine might outlive both of us.
>
> Montelena's Estate Cab is nearly immortal as it is, and in 3L format...?
>
>
>
> Mark Lipton
>
> --
>
> alt.food.wine FAQ: http://winefaq.cwdjr.net

I would put it at early maturity with another 20-30 years ahead.