1974 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon

"The first Montelena Cabernet, from purchased Russian River and Alexander Valley grapes, was very much alive, with rich curranty flavours with a hint of balsamic in the surprisingly long finish. Barrett says the high acidity held it together. Very much an old-school California Cabernet with fairly rustic tannins, it’s still enjoyable for its historic importance. This famous vintage put northern California Cabernets on the map as potential competitors to Bordeaux." - Decanter