3 | Wine | New Arrivals, United States

"There are aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis, vanilla and a slight eucalyptus note. In the glass there are refined flavors of red cherry, cassis, blackberry, plum, spice and tobacco. Our 2011 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has good structure and complexity along with an old world style balance."

"Notes of white peach, Linden leaves and slate. Lovely focused acidity, finishing very long with mandarin orange and lots of minerality. Grab the chop sticks, crack a bottle....this will make you happy." - Charles Smith

"Cold Creek Chardonnay is typified by concentration and intensity from the 40-year-old vines and warmth of the site. This Chardonnay is a decadent style with ripe fruit and a toasty character. The cooler 2011 vintage in Washington provided enhanced acidity with an elegant finish. The combination of a powerful vineyard in a cooler vintage makes for a very balanced and ageable style of Chardonnay."

"Aromas of wild strawberry, watermelon, raspberry and mint jump out of the glass. There are flavors of strawberry, peach, berry and a hint of minerality. The wine has medium mouthfeel, a dry finish with a very long aftertaste."

"Light, crisp, and highly aromatic, the warmer climate Alexander Valley fruit gives this wine ripe peach, tangerine, and pineapple character, while the ocean cooled Russian River Valley fruit offers citrus, lemon grass, and slightly herbaceous qualities."

"This graceful Chardonnay opens with aromas of fresh-cut Honey Crisp apple, citrus, toasted vanilla bean and hints of poached Comice pear and lilac. The wine has a full entry with flavors of ripe apple and delicate oak notes. There is a nice balance to the acidity and minerality that enhances the freshness and elegance of this wine. The long finish is reminiscent of Nilla wafers with banana cream pudding."

"Aromas of pear and citrus, highlighting lemon and lime, are followed on the palate with pineapple and tropical fruit flavors. Medium bodied and refreshing, a subtle oak toast balances acidity, resulting in a wine crafted in a modern, fruitforward style, wonderful to enjoy on its own as an apéritif, or with a wide array of dishes across many cuisines."

"Combines plushness of texture and depth of flavor (dark berries, tobacco, chocolate) with welcome vivacity and saliva-inducing salinity. It should offer fine value over the next half dozen or more years."

"Montelena’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate wraps around the palate with serious depth. Even with all of its intensity, the 2009 has a silkiness that makes it incredibly delicious at this early stage. Red berries, flowers, tobacco and sweet herbs all flesh out on the generous, radiant finish. While many 2009s are a bit tight today, Montelena’s 2009 Estate is showing very nicely, although it is keeping some cards close to the vest. I imagine the 2009 will start to enter its prime drinking window around age 8-10 and drink well for at least another decade beyond that."