Drinkhacker published its latest Tasting Report on Napa Valley, which featured Chateau Montelena. Of the winery, he accurately notes that the winery helps tell “the story of California wine, having played a pivotal role in the iconic Judgment of Paris in 1976.” As he continues to speak about the iconic property, he adds that “this pioneering producer continues to put out top-shelf wines while managing to stay relatively under the radar, with a focus on cabernet sauvignon but with side interests in myriad other wines, much of which is grown on its expansive Calistoga estate.” He reviews all the core wines in the portfolio, along with library vintages of the Sauvignon Blanc, Potter Valley Riesling, Napa Valley Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Read the full write up and review here
Related Wines
Chateau Montelena
Potter Valley Riesling 2017
Mendocino, California
Riesling is a hidden gem within the Chateau Montelena portfolio. Many people don’t know it exists, and once they do – they keep coming back for more. Stylistically, it is amazingly refreshing with notes of lemon blossom, honeysuckle and rose petal that are balanced by lively acidity
Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena Zinfandel
Napa Valley, California
Produced from grapes grown on the Montelena Estate vineyard, the Zinfandel is a classically-structured, subtle and refined wine. More than anything, it hearkens back to the way that Zinfandel was made in the 1960s and 1970s, with completely distinctive, rich and spicy California berry fruit, but a balance that made them no heavier than their Cabernet counterparts.
Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay combines the best of the old-world structure, acidity and grace, with California ripeness and texture. Having zero malolactic notes and limited oak, this style Chardonnay focuses on the importance of vintage, vineyard, and pure varietal character. The bright acidity builds nuanced complexity for 10-30 years. To showcase the ageability of this wine, the vintage of a half-decade prior is re-released alongside the current vintage.
Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is Chateau Montelena’s flagship wine and a quality icon of Napa Valley. The winemaking team works obsessively and passionately with each vintage to capture the best expression of their historic terroir. This is a show-stopper that reveals the perfect blend of flavors, aromas and textures to reach the pinnacle of balance.
Related Producers
Chateau Montelena
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
Chateau Montelena is renowned for consistently producing age-worthy, classically-styled wines that capture the nuances of each vintage and its distinct terroir. Widely known for winning the Judgment of Paris in 1976, it helped put California at the forefront of the wine world. Today, the winery is honored on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to be owned and operated by the Barrett Family.