An Evening of Conversation and Sips with Weston Eidson of Montagu Wines

One of the gifts of writing about wine is the chance to have a conversation with and taste selections from small boutique producers. Recently I was invited by Robert Larsen of The Larsen Projekt to participate in a twitter chat with a bevy of my favorite wine colleagues. Each of us was sent four wines from Montagu Wines located in St. Helena, California, and a mission to taste, compare notes and chat with Weston Eidson, Founder and Winemaker. The wines were as sterling as the backstory is engaging.

After attending graduate school in the United Kingdom, Weston Eidson traveled to wine regions including Chile, South Africa, Bordeaux, Alsace and the Veneto. Finally, this global adventurer settled in Napa Valley and met Jason Moore of Modus Operandi Cellars; Jason was crucial in helping Eidson develop and hone his winemaking skills. Soon thereafter, he met Russell Bevan who quickly became his mentor. Eidson embraced a mission to produce wines that “express their authentic and full potential with minimal intervention.” To that end, Weston Eidson founded Montagu Winery in 2012 with grapes cultivated in premium Napa Valley and Russian River Valley vineyards. His focus is to offer “layered, complex and balanced wines of extremely limited production.” But what about that backstory?

Montagu Wines is a tribute to my great-grandfather John, the second Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and a British automotive pioneer responsible for much 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 whose assistant served as the model for the iconic Rolls-Royce hood ornament known as the Spirit of Ecstasy. His son, and my great-uncle Edward, the third Lord of Montagu, continued his father’s legacy by founding Britain’s National Motor Museum and worked tirelessly to promote the heritage and preservation of British history. He was also a lover of wine and produced his own from a vineyard he planted in Southern England. Weston Eidson 

The first wine we tasted was the Montagu 2017 Chardonnay ($55) from grapes sourced from Ritchie Vineyard, first planted in 1972 in the Russian River Valley. Only 85 cases have been produced of this rich, bold wine that was fermented in French barrels and aged sur lie for 12 months. On the nose, I uncovered notes of yellow flowers, freshly squeezed lemon juice and green apples. Flavors of spice, tangerine and mouthwatering citrus were fresh and vibrant thanks to zesty acidity. Beautifully balanced with a round mouthfeel and long finish expressing hints of toasty oak, this Chardonnay is a classic.

The Montagu 2017 Pinot Noir ($60) is of grapes from Russian River Valley’s historic Bacigalupi Vineyard near Healdsburg. 140 cases were produced of this expressive, broad wine aged in French oak. Intense aromas of dark red fruit, cherries, cola and vanilla were enticing. Lavish notes of spice, rich fruit, juicy black cherries and hint of spice were framed with lively acidity and satin-like tannins.

There’s a reason the Montagu 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon ($95), from vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley, is considered the winery’s signature selection. Bold, powerful, smooth and utterly delicious, 175 cases have been produced for fortunate consumers. Aged for 22 months in French oak, I discovered complexity in the aromas and flavors of luscious red berries, black currants, purple fruit and dark plums on a foundation of just-right acidity and firm tannic structure. The finish? Long, layered and satisfying…

Accolades from the wine media and press abound regarding this affordable luxury: Silver Ghost 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($35). One-third of the grapes were sourced from an historic vineyard in the eastern area of Rutherford and two thirds were from a hillside site in Calistoga and a west Yountville vineyard. Aromas of exotic spice, vanilla, black cherries and ripe red fruit led to flavors of more spice, blueberries, mocha and red berries. Full-bodied and balanced, the lingering finish was supple and textured. Eidson explained that the name is derived from John Montagu’s favorite car, the 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

Weston Eidson has written, “Both my great-grandfather and great-uncle led innovative and adventurous lives and it is my hope that you discover this spirit and zest for life in each bottle of Montagu Wines.” I certainly experienced all of that and more. And yes, I hope you do, too.

Cheers! ~ Cindy