(Feb. 13, 2013) — Oh oh, Winetasters has scheduled a tasting for Ash Wednesday and you were thinking you would give up wine for Lent. Worse, the tasting is the day before Valentine’s Day; and, though you love Cabernet Sauvignon, you love your sweet patootie more.

Pause a moment, and consider the following:

“No other winery in California has such a consistent record of excellence over the last 25 years…Montelena’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignons are equivalent to buying blue chip stock.”
Robert M. Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate

“Chateau Montelena has one of the most consistently excellent and remarkable track records in California in producing rich, concentrated, elegant and ageworthy Cabernets. It is one of the surest, steadiest performers, with a style that is all its own yet classically Napa Valley.”
James Laube, California’s Great Cabernets (Wine Spectator Press)

“Based on numerous and consistent evaluations by wine experts, auction results for at least a 10-year period and reasonable availability, we cite Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon as one of the five California wines equivalent of a Bordeaux first growth.”
Smart Money, the Wall Street Journal Magazine of Personal Business

The old stone winery north of Calistoga at the foot of Mt. St. Helena was founded in 1881, but was reestablished on its present course in 1969 by Jim and Bo Barrett. Mike Grgich made the wines until 1974, Jerry Luper until 1981, and Bo Barrett ever since. The first Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1978, 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. The blend reflects the vineyard planting.

On February 13th, wine consultant and Napa Cabernet aficionado John Tait will guide us through a tasting of Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: 2007, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1996, and, of course, a mystery wine. We recommend that if you must give up a liquid for Lent, make it cranberry juice. And as for your sweet patootie, treat her to a Valentine’s Eve tasting.

As always with our tastings, this event will be strictly non-smoking, and we request your cooperation in not wearing any scented after-shave or perfume.

Cancellations accepted up to February 8, 2013. See the event form for cancellation contact details. No reservations by phone, please. No confirmations will be issued — you will be contacted only if we are sold out. First come basis. Non-members may attend at guest rates, but preference will be given to members.

Download the event form if you wish to mail in your reservation cheque.

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