"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."

"This 2009 ZD Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is bursting with complexity. Intense aromas of cassis, plum, ripe blackberries and subtle hints of clove, lavender and toasty vanilla support a solid core of ripe fruit on the palate. The balance is structured but elegant, with soft, velvety tannins and a perfect acid/tannin balance that will ensure its long term ageability."