$150, (Wine Club Reorder – $99)
Montagu Wines was founded by Weston Eidson in 2012, who learned from mentor Russell Bevan, whose track record boasts several 90-100 point wines. Montagu Wines is a tribute to the winemaker’s great-grandfather John, the second Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and a British automotive pioneer responsible for early automotive legislation. He was also the first person to drive an automobile to Parliament, gave the future Edward VII his first car ride, and served as the model for the iconic Rolls-Royce hood ornament known as the Spirit of Ecstasy. Eidson tries to capture his great-grandfather’s spirit and zest for life in each bottle of wine he makes.
John’s son, and Weston’s great-uncle Edward, the third Lord Montagu, continued his father’s legacy by founding Britain’s National Motor Museum. He was also a wine lover, producing his own from his vineyard in Southern England. It turns out that Napa makes better wines.
For as long as he can remember, Weston Eidson has possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and an appreciation for fine wine’s ability to enhance any celebration or family get-together. Weston has developed a conviction for making wine that is richly layered, complex, and balanced.
The 2017 “Sage Ridge Vineyard” Montagu Cabernet Sauvignon comes to us from the Sage Ridge mountain site in Rutherford, Napa Valley. Sage Ridge is a mountain site behind Pritchard Hill. It has incredible volcanic moonpowder-like soil and a sun drenched Mediterranean climate and landscape which allows the grapes to ripen to incredible density, texture and extraction. This Cabernet Sauvignon from a specific block in the Pritchard Hill area, high-elevation vineyard, is rich in gravelly dust, mineral, and texture. The inaugural vintage of this wine, shows length, breadth, and complexity. We are seeing notes of dried herb, sage, and leather saddle.
A side of cheesy polenta will help show off this wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon. Make sure to use an aged cheddar or gouda (harder cheeses) to mix into the polenta. The age on the cheese will help highlight the earthy notes of the wine making it the perfect pair.
Jennie Kaplan Woodson – January 2021
Bacchus & Venus Wines 