Just when you think it’s going to Thelma & Louise, it spawns wings and lifts off. - at Franklin PT — 18 days ago
Exceptional so smooth — 6 days ago
Fruit but not to sweet Danna — 20 days ago
Another great vintage.
— 2 months 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
A nice and easy drinking Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
Medium bodied with medium plus acidity.
Dry on the palate with mild complexity.
Fruit forward and nicely balanced.
Very typical for the region, which is nice to see.
Good right out of the bottle and good by itself as a sipping wine or with food. A good party wine too.
13% alcohol by volume.
89 points.
$35. — 13 days 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 superb Zinfandel blend that tastes great now and possesses the requisite structure to age. Ridge sets the standard in American winemaking. Their corpus of high quality wines is unmatched in America and challenges the entire industry worldwide. — a month ago
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
Slightly disappointed, had higher hopes based on the reviews. Although company was great, NYT, couch, candle, cheeseboard. #CPtheVP — 7 days ago
This is always a solid Sauvignon Blanc, drank last night with Matt — 23 days ago
You can always count on Ridge — 4 months ago
At Cindy’s with Fing. Mistaken bottle. Golden color, clearly aged with touch of oxidation but lots of complex aromatics. Excellent — a month ago
Steve Mitchell
A 2024 paired perfectly with steak, corn on the cob and tomatoes/fresh mozzarella cheese. — 9 days ago