Opened by friends last night at dinner:
1978 Chateau Montelena (mag)-Still dark in the glass with a faint hint of brick at the edges. Power house nose of black fruits, cassis a bit of earthy barnyard and some cedar. The wine is sweet and silky on the palate with a ton of creme de cassis and blackberries. Some light dusty mineral notes and black coffee comes through on the finish. The tannins are well resolved yet still a bit of grip keeps things clean on the finish. This wine will last another ten years easily. Just a wonderful example of California Cabernet. A+1978 Ridge Montebello Cabernet-Totally gone over the hill. Brownish pink in color, nose of sour cherry and Madiera. The fruit was gone leaving only a sour bitter mess. The bottle was well kept and the cork was perfect.