On Jun 19, 3:38�pm, cwdjrxyz > wrote:
> On Jun 18, 3:42�pm, Mark Lipton > wrote:
>
> > According to a news item running on the Wine Spectator's site, Napa
> > Valley icon Chateau Montelena is up for sale by the Barrett family,
> > their long-time owners:
>
> >http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Fe...7,4439,00.html
>
> > *sigh*
> > Mark Lipton
>
> I bought quite a bit of Ch. Montelena Chardonnay and Cabernet
> Sauvignon in the 70s, Many of their wines then were quite good, but I
> have not bought Montelena in recent years, since my interests moved
> elsewhere. I find that my only Montelena is a single bottle of their
> 1974 Cabernet Sauvignon. It was decent the last time tasted well over
> a decade ago, but I would not even guess how it would be today. If and
> when I open it, I will report here if the wine still is drinkable.

I bought a lot fo Montelena Cab in the 80's and 90's. The last case I
bought was the 1997. I still have a bottle of the 1973 and a couple
of 1978's and a variety of 80's and 90's vintages. They still all
drink well. FWIW, I haven't IIRC, ever had a tainted bottle and their
reputation for longevity is well earned. I never liked the Chard
though.