Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Napa Valley 1985 750ml

Chateau Montelena, the Calistoga estate made famous by its Chardonnay's victory at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, also produces one of Napa Valley's most age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons from its estate vineyards at the foot of Mount St. Helena. The 1985 was a powerful, backward wine on release, and Robert Parker predicted it would prove "one of the great Montelena Cabernet Sauvignons" with patience. Four decades on, it shows claret-like aromas of dark berries, black tea, licorice, menthol, tobacco and cedar, with a silky, Bordeaux-like texture and layers of red and dark fruit, mocha and spice. Fully mature, it is a rare chance to taste a classic Napa vintage at its peak; drink now.