Because I ended the year so far behind in my blogging, I haven’t had much of a chance to write about my new job.  My first day was actually at the beginning of September, and almost 6 months into the new job, I’m loving it…like really and truly loving it.  And, I knew by the end of the first week that I was going to love it.  I celebrated by deciding to give Chateau Montelena’s Cabernet Sauvignon a second chance.

As long time readers know, I used to work for the U.S. Congress.  Back in 2010, I opened a bottle of Chateau Montelena to celebrate my move from the House to the Senate and was disappointed.  But, after talking with several people I trusted, it sounded like I didn’t pick the best vintage to open and that I needed to give the wine a second chance,.  So, after almost 10 years of working for Congress, what better opportunity to try another bottle than when celebrating my new job in the private sector?

The 2009 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon (winery, Amazon) is from Napa Valley, California and is made 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc grapes.  The wine had a deep ruby color.  On the nose, there were black cherries and plums with a hint of cedar, vanilla, and smoke.  In the mouth, there were black cherries, plums, cedar, and smoke mixed with hints of vanilla and nutmeg.  The wine had a medium-to-full body, medium-to-big tannins, and medium-to-high acidity,

Is this worth a glass after work? It’s worth more than one!  What are you waiting for?  At $53, this wine is obviously not one of my everyday bottles, but it certainly was a nice way to celebrate my new job.  It had beautiful balance and was perfect with the grilled filet mignon and steamed broccoli Hubby made for dinner.  This bottle actually lasted me a couple of days, and while it definitely mellowed out by day two, it was still very drinkable and very enjoyable.

Additionally, for those of you looking for a wine to hold onto for 8-10 years, I think this would be a great candidate.  Most of what this young wine had to offer now was vibrant fruit, but it certainly hinted at complex development with all the vanilla, smoke, cedar, and spice that was in the background.  Plus, with such strong tannins and nice body, there is a lot of room for this wine to grow.

So, all in all, I’m thrilled that I gave Chateau Montelena a second chance.  And, while I don’t plan on starting a new job any time soon, when I do have something job related to celebrate, I will be searching out a Montelena Cab to help.

Price: $53
Purchased at Arrowine
Overall: 4.5 Corks