Brian Hearty

9.2

2020. I did something I don’t normally do and Googled potential wine pairings for a dish of Pumpkin Tagliatelle with Kale, Autumn Frost Squash, and Lamb Meatballs garnished with Crispy Sage and Brown Butter. AI recommended wines included low tannin/high acid reds, rich Rhône whites, and orange wines. This skin ferment Roussanne paired great! Glad to be getting something beneficial from all of the data centers around here… — 5 days ago

Brian S

9.4

Very well aged Napa Cabernet. — 2 months ago

k

9.3

Full mouthfeel with acidity, minerality, and tropical fruit notes exquisitely balanced. Or peach and honeyed citrus per label. Still lovely. — a month ago

Doug Powers

9.4

After the crappy Kiwi Chardonnay (Luta), we needed something of impeccable quality and breeding, so here we are. This incredible Spatlese from JJ Prum, other than the color, is just beginning to show its charms, this will last MANY MORE years, but such a privilege to drink such a phenomenal Mosel legend, mineral, sweet apricot and peach fruit, amazing acidity, great length, LOVE this stuff!! (P.S. — I have NO intention in getting involved in the Casagrande clan’s metal band debate, I’d rather just drink old JJ Prum Riesling!!) — 2 months ago

with Jim

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. — 4 months ago

Conrad Green

9.7

Spectacular. Fresh with lime, wet stone, incredible poise and delicacy. Just gorgeous — 6 months ago

with Walker and David

Conrad Green

9.5

Apricot in color. Soft peach and obeyed notes. On the palate delicate orchard fruit, dried fruit, wet stone, soft fizz, a hit of salinity in the finish. Poised and delicious — 8 days ago

with Bex

Bob McDonald

9.5

Pale lemon in colour - crystal clear. Probably drinking this a little young even at 7 years of age. Initial funky notes amongst the nutty notes. At 7 years the oak is assimilating with the peach. Great intensity as you come to expect from the Art Series. At least another 5 plus years in the cellar would not be a problem. — 4 days ago

Roman Ochocki

9.2

Very fresh, a gooseberry, peach and passion fruit. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.7

Opened about 30min prior to service. The 2017 Clos Ste. Hune pours a pale straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing wjth beguiling notes of the perfectly ripe Comice pear, a mix of stone and tropical fruits, lemon blossom, a touch of petrol and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish lasts forever. This is unbelievably balanced and a fantastic pairing with the toro crudo. This is just at the beginning of what’s sure to be a very long drinking window. Enjoy now through 2057. — 3 months ago

Conrad Green

9.5

Still fresh but definitely lots of secondary notes. Pear and wet stone and a light sweetness and salinity. Good tension. Excellent — 5 months ago

with Ara and Paul

Brian Hearty

9.6

2014. Enjoyed a small splash at the end of a great birthday meal at The Oven!
Such pure stone fruit and honeyed aromas and flavors with balanced sweetness and acidity. — 6 months ago

Conrad Green

9.5

From mag. Very fine and detailed. Chalk and lemon and soft notes of wet stone. A bit of peach at the edges and a soft salinity. Great balance and sophistication. Very long. — 20 days ago

with Bex and David

Conrad Green

9.6

From mag. Lucid and limpid. Delicate lime, oyster shells, wet stone, orchard fruit. Gorgeous and balanced. Amazing — 2 hours ago

with Bex and Naoko

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Light golden color. Aromas of tropical, citrus and stone fruits, fresh herbs and freshly cut grass. Flavors of grapefruit, passion fruit, green apple and melon and nectarines with a slight note of flint/crushed stones. Medium finish and vibrant acidity. Just a hint of RS. Medium-bodied and crisp. Crunchy texture. Crowd pleasing and reliable but not spectacular. Thanks for sharing, Ron B! — 21 days ago

Conrad Green

9.6

Gorgeous limpid soft lime and wet stone with some hints of peach and a subtle rounded mindshare. Complex, light deft and delicious this us in a perfect place right now — 3 months ago

with Bex and Major-General

Dave

9.0

I find this to be an easy drinker and a good value. Fruit salad- plenty of peach, pineapple, apricots, lemon, and some grass. A hint of tar in the nose.
Listening to Keren Ann ❤️ — 3 months ago

JKT

9.1

Very nicely aged Cali Chard that balances new world fruit with old world leanness — 5 months ago

Lisa T Kanen

9.4

Crisp, peach and pineapple with a creamy finish. — 5 months ago

with Connor

Ming L

9.3

Aromas of ripe apricot, honeyed peach, and white flowers are layered with subtle hints of hazelnut, spice, and subtle tropical fruits. The palate is lush and rich yet never feels weighty, and offering stone fruit, candied citrus, and a touch of minerality. The long, harmonious finish leaves notes of almond and soft honeysuckles lingering delicately. A mature, refined Condrieu at its expressive peak. — 7 months ago