Freddy R. Troya

9.4

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. — 17 days ago

katarina ammann

9.3

First Vinho Verde! Super light, crisp notes of lime, green apple, and florals. Slight fizz from a secondary fermentation. — 4 months ago

Frank Soldano

9.8

Wow, very nice wine!! Crisp and flavorful. Light rose petal flavors and herbaceous. A light citrus on the back end. Well balanced with a great finish! — 7 months ago

jared adams

9.0

one of my first sauvignon blancs. good stuff, very light crisp and quite smooth — 9 months ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.0

Another year another vintage of old faithful Whitehaven SB. Same crisp and fresh standard as always. — 3 years ago

Richard A. de Prieto

8.9

Very crisp, light white, ideal for seafood — 4 years ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

Crisp, balanced with tropical fruits. You can not miss it's Cloudy Bay. — a month ago

KRISTIE

8.9

Our distinctive white blend marries the crisp honeyed citrus fruit of Chenin Blanc (80%) with the plush body, soft floral and juicy peach notes of Voignier (20%) for a lush, versatile and delicious wine. — 3 months ago

Dave

8.9

An easy sipper on this warm day. Big nose, crisp and fruity on the palate. Lemon, lime, melon, little bit of grass.
Listening to Uncle Tupelo — 4 months ago

Meredith Moody

9.7

I love champagne, but the only thing I love more than champagne is free champagne. Was this great because it’s great, or was it great because it was free and unlimited? Does it matter? Super rich and toasty, but still maintains a bright acidity and freshness. I definitely get the classic brioche note, along with apple and citrus. Feels more complex and has more depth than some other champagnes I have tasted. Super crisp and refreshing, but has a richness that makes it feel indulgent. — 5 months ago

Walter Fahr

8.9

A richer Provence Rose than most. Light salmon color with lower acidity than most Roses from the region. Crisp. Drank in December 2025. — 8 months ago

Louis Martin

9.0

Crisp, citrus, semi-sweet. Nice aperitif to go with raw bar seafood. — a year ago

S T

9.2

Aromatic pear and apple, crisp, fresh acidity. — 4 years ago

Lisa T Kanen

9.4

Crisp, peach and pineapple with a creamy finish. — 2 months ago

with Connor

mike cust

9.4

Crisp delicious, drink on a hot day chilled. Buy more — 3 months ago

Meredith Moody

9.0

The lemonade of wines! I am a big sauvignon blanc fan, but my parents never really drink ones from New Zealand, and this made me wish I had known about it sooner. So refreshing and almost makes you pucker with how tart it is. This wine begs to be drank by the pool. Grapefruit forward, but had a grassy and herbal note that kept it grounded. Clean, acidic and crisp. I would serve this colder than class has taught me to because it is a summer delight. — 4 months ago

Ming L

8.9

The nose shows fresh apple and pear, with a subtle, fleeting hint of brioche. The palate is defined by a crisp, direct attack that yields to a somewhat firm, fruit-driven structure. Fine lively bubbles.

Not my favorite entry level NV Champagne, but it’s quite pleasant. — 5 months ago

Mary Perrotta

9.3

Light sweet and crisp more of a spring time wine than a fall but would definitely get again! — 9 months ago

Anthony Cammarata Jr.

8.9

This vibrant and crisp Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect poolside wine with its sweet bouquet, flavorful finish and hints of grate fruit. — 3 years ago

with Michael

Marissa

9.2

Crisp, lots of large bubbles, anjou pear with a light kumquat finish. A great everyday champagne. — 4 years ago