Monticello Vineyards, Rutherford (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

 The small, 7-acre, Tietjen Vineyard lies on the western side of Napa Valley at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains.  Planted in the 1980s, it is devoted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon. Monticello uses most of the grapes from this vineyard as part of the blend for their Corley Reserve and their other Cabernets, but fortunately, they bottle a small amount separately.  The 2008 is a stunning wine.  Powerful, yet suave, it’s richly textured with supple tannins and layered with dark fruit notes and earthy nuances.  It reveals itself slowly over time, but even the first sip is captivating.