2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2023 was remarkable from start to finish, one of our favorites in recent memory. Winter rains were plentiful and regular, priming the vines for the upcoming season. But spring began cool and foggy, delaying budbreak and slowing vine growth on the Estate. The temperate conditions persisted into May as the late bloom served as our first reliable indicator of the late harvest to come. Overall, summer was mild and pleasant with temperatures rarely peaking above 90°F. Heading into August, the question was whether the pattern would continue or if heat would return on Labor Day weekend. Thankfully, mild conditions prevailed, capping an exceptional vintage and illustrating yet again the potential of this vineyard to produce exceptional wine.

Decanter interview with Montelena CEO Bo Barrett