The Matador Network features Chateau Montelena within a story, “The Classic Wineries that Put Napa on the Map are Still Must-Visits.” The piece, written by writer Nick Hines, includes several quotes and insight from Winemaker Matt Crafton on the evolution of Chateau Montelena from the 1976 Judgment of Paris to its current state. Crafton adds, “It’s easy for historic brands to rest on their laurels, but at Chateau Montelena, the focus is on the future.” As such, Montelena recently finished its largest replant in 50 years, an estimated 3-6 million dollar project. Additionally, in addition to the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon the winery is known for, they make small amounts of Riesling, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. “It’s all part of seeing what works and moving the brand forward,” says Crafton. Read the full story HERE
Related Wines
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.
Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the balance of Montelena, classic “old-world” structure with ripe California fruit. It is crafted from fruit coming from the Montelena vineyard and several prime neighboring vineyards, all in the Calistoga AVA. The Montelena Napa Cabernet is a wine that delivers immediate pleasure upon release, but in Montelena style, while age and develop beautifully.
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 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
Potter Valley Riesling
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.
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.