92

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a re-release from the winery, is just starting to enter an early plateau of maturity where the aromas show some signs of opening up. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, game and licorice give the 2006 a decidedly wild, almost feral feel, in both its flavors and structural profile. 09/2019

94

Stephen Tanzer

Vinous

Dark red with ruby tones; not as deep as the '05 or '04. Very dark aromas of cassis, licorice and cocoa powder are complicated by exotic dusty spices and Provençal herbs. Suave, pure and mouthfilling, with its fine-grained dark berry and spice flavors broadening on the back half. Boasts a lovely balance of sweet and savory qualities, with bright acidity and refined tannins giving the wine plenty of backbone for further leisurely evolution in bottle. Finishes with excellent building length. The late summer of 2006 was very hot but temperatures dropped sharply in mid-September, pushing the harvest mostly into October, according to Barrett. In my earliest note on this vintage, I found the wine a bit disjointed (Barrett described it shortly before bottling as "60% a superripe component from the rocks and hillside, while the other 40% was all pepper and no jam--very Bordeaux-like in style"), but it is harmonizing beautifully. (13.9% alcohol) 03/2019

91+

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate appears to have completely shut down, not surprising as Montelena’s Cabernet Sauvignons typically need plenty of time. The 2006 reveals medium to full body, austere tannins and lots of red and black fruits, dusty, loamy soil undertones and a hint of herbs/tobacco leaf. Give it another 4-5 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 20. Some time ago Bo Barrett and his dad, Jim, decided that they needed to produce a less expensive, more supple textured Cabernet Sauvignon for consumers and restaurants looking for immediate gratification. That goal has been met very nicely by their Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, which is blended with some Merlot. All the fruit comes from the Calistoga appellation. 12/2010

94

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers a slightly more perfumed, complex nose with its cassis, currants, mint, and spring flowers. This pretty, elegant wine has fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity, a layered, balanced style, and a great finish. 01/2019

93

James Suckling

James Suckling

This has a leafy currant, mint, and raspberry nose. Complex and very pretty. Full bodied and very firm, with super fine tannins and a long, long finish. This is subtle and complex, but needs another three years. 14+23+23+33. Find the wine 04/2011