Château Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California

2015 Vintage – 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Aged 22 months in 100% French oak, 40% new. Nose: It doesn’t take much time in the glass to reveal the ripeness of the vintage. Dried cherries, baking spices, and vanilla intermingle with softer notes of espresso bean, pipe tobacco, and lavender. Palate: e 2015 steers toward dark fruit with plenty of blackberry jam and plums slowly yielding to intense, vibrant tannins and bright acid. A touch of smoke punctuates the midpalate revealing anise and cocoa. Within a few moments rhubarb appears as do dried ginger and black pepper. Additional ageing time is undoubtedly necessary to reveal the potential of this wine. Finish: The finish ties both the nose and palate together with fresh raspberries, a subtle hint of mint, and incredible freshness.