I have not had many DP Rose’s. On the nose, extremely expressive scents of red fruits & flowers. One of the most powerful champagnes I have tasted. I felt like my taste buds were being held hostage by various red fruit and acid. An unapologetic finish that handcuffed my mouth.. — 10 days ago
One of the very best Chardonnay I ever had. At its peak. — 5 days ago
Exceptional so smooth — 6 days ago
Slightly disappointed, had higher hopes based on the reviews. Although company was great, NYT, couch, candle, cheeseboard. #CPtheVP — 7 days ago
The entire intact cork decided it wanted to stay in the bottle rather than come out, so gently-filtered pours will be de rigeur tonight!! Initially this shows mature white wine aromas, some minerality and salinity, still plenty of acidity, actually a pretty solid finish that lingers, often these old Raveneau wines open to show more with 30 minutes of aeration, we’ll see and I’ll add a comment to my note. — 5 days ago
Great wine, probably past its prime time, but still aromatic, well balanced with lime notes. — 8 days ago
2016 opened at the right time — 7 days ago
So good! Showing notes of lemon, citrus, wet stone, mineral, flint & racy acids — a month ago
It’s been five years since I last had the 2000 vintage of P2 and looking back on my notes, not a whole lot has changed though the autolytic notes seem to be more integrated into the entire package.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2000 P2 pours a deep straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, ripe golden apple, raspberry, ripe soft rind cheese, a touch of mushrooms, lemon/lime citrus and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Loads of energy still. This remains a very special wine. Drink now through 2040+. — 9 days ago
Crisp almost portyyyy — 2 days ago
#AgedWineTuesday
Golden in color.
Strong nose of citrus, yellow apples, light pineapples, spices, light cedar, earth, herbs and white pepper.
Full-bodied and elegant with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with limes, light grapefruits, spices, light oak, earth and herbs.
Long finish with limes and almonds.
This delicious 10 years old Chardonnay from Napa Valley is still drinking beautifully. Very complex, elegant and nicely balanced.
Still showing enough fruits to balance the earth notes. Nicely aged, and will not get better from this point on.
Good right out of the bottle, and better after 20 minutes of airtime.
It's always nice to try these kind of aged wines. Good by itself as a sipping and with food.
100% Chardonnay grapes were aged in (34% new) French Oak barrels for 8 months.
14.2% alcohol by volume.
92 points.
$75. — a month ago
Chateau Montelena — Chardonnay 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Released as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, this vintage continues the legacy that forever changed the perception of California wine. Crafted in Montelena’s unmistakable style, it favors precision, freshness, and restraint over richness, proving Napa Chardonnay can be both powerful and elegant.
Aromas & Flavors
Lemon curd, baked pear, crisp apple, citrus blossom, and subtle white peach are beautifully intertwined with delicate hints of wet stone, light vanilla, and restrained oak.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and exceptional balance. Rich enough to satisfy yet remarkably focused, the palate delivers silky texture, impressive tension, and a long, refined finish that never feels heavy.
Food Pairings
Lobster, scallops, roasted chicken, creamy risotto, grilled halibut, or triple-cream Brie.
Verdict
A benchmark New World Chardonnay that continues to set the standard nearly five decades after its historic triumph. Complex, poised, and beautifully balanced, it is a wine that appeals equally to classic California Chardonnay lovers and those who typically favor more restrained Old World expressions.
Did You Know?
The 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the white wine category at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, defeating France’s finest Burgundies in a blind tasting and forever changing the reputation of California wine on the world stage. The 2023 vintage celebrates the 50th anniversary of that landmark event.
🍷 Personal Pick
I’m generally selective with Napa Chardonnay, often preferring leaner, mineral-driven styles. Chateau Montelena remains one of my rare exceptions. It captures the generosity of Napa’s sunshine while preserving freshness, finesse, and impeccable balance. This is a permanent fixture in my cellar and one of the few New World Chardonnays I’d confidently pour for someone who believes they don’t enjoy Napa Chardonnay. — a month ago
A M A Z I N G!!!! Fragrant nose of fresh brioche and warm plums. Slight hint of marzipan. Long finish. Delicious. Love what this have evolved into. — 9 days ago
Jay Kline

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2015 pours a crystal clear, pale straw color with persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with bright green apple, star fruit, citrus tree blossom, lemon curd and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. This is a baby but there’s already a lot of material here. The texture is extraordinary. Expect a long life ahead. Drink now with maybe a short decant, through 2055. Third tranche. Disgorged September of 2025. — 9 days ago