Previously recommended, but no tasting note given. Chateau Montelena’s sale to the owners of Bordeaux’s well-known second-growth, Chateau Cos d’Estournel, fell through, no doubt because of the global economic crisis. It was unquestionably shocking that this Napa icon was on the block, and about to be sold to, of all people, the French, who Montelena had defeated in the famous Steven Spurrier tasting of 1976. Tasting through the wines with the ever reliable Bo Barrett is always a lesson in candor and honesty. Montelena’s negociant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, from northern vineyards in the Calistoga area, is meant to represent a Montelena house style, but it is much softer and less ageworthy, thus is the ideal restaurant/steakhouse wine. Tel. (707) 942-5105; Fax (707) 942-4221

A crisp, clean and refreshing style, with spicy apple, melon and pear flavors that show no evidence of oak, ending with a clean, pure, fruit-driven aftertaste. Drink now through 2011. 7,000 cases made.