Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California, USA
Out of Mag. Tasting pitch perfect: clay, mineral, white flowers, the stones of stone fruit, heady. Lean, unripe peach. Has the finish of Chablis (tart wet chalk) but has a more yellow fruit entry. Pretty. I want cases to age.
Out of Mag. Tasting pitch perfect: clay, mineral, white flowers, the stones of stone fruit, heady. Lean, unripe peach. Has the finish of Chablis (tart wet chalk) but has a more yellow fruit entry. Pretty. I want cases to age.
Dec 11th, 2019
A lovley wine, great balance and creamy mid palate. I always catch a little pencil shaving from this wine too.
A lovley wine, great balance and creamy mid palate. I always catch a little pencil shaving from this wine too.
Dec 13th, 2017
Founded in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs. In 1972, under the leadership of James Barrett, replanting began. Today Jim's son, Bo, is now its Master Winemaker. Ripe stone fruit aromas with notes of honey. In the palate crisp pear, melon and lemon zest come forth wrapped in vanilla oak. Lingering finish ending with creamy notes fruit ending with hints of pepper spice.
Founded in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs. In 1972, under the leadership of James Barrett, replanting began. Today Jim's son, Bo, is now its Master Winemaker. Ripe stone fruit aromas with notes of honey. In the palate crisp pear, melon and lemon zest come forth wrapped in vanilla oak. Lingering finish ending with creamy notes fruit ending with hints of pepper spice.
Sep 11th, 2017Nice Classic Chardonnay expected to age well. Slight tartness should smooth out with age. Not buttery like many other Napa Chardonnays.
Nice Classic Chardonnay expected to age well. Slight tartness should smooth out with age. Not buttery like many other Napa Chardonnays.
1 person found it helpfulAug 9th, 2017
Always a classic. Bright acidity rich texture and beautiful Chardonnay fruit.
Always a classic. Bright acidity rich texture and beautiful Chardonnay fruit.
Feb 8th, 2017
Not sure how this wine won the 76 tasting.
Not sure how this wine won the 76 tasting.
Nov 19th, 2016Brioche, vanilla, and pear with a touch of orange zest. Fun to try the large format wine! They stay so much younger.
Brioche, vanilla, and pear with a touch of orange zest. Fun to try the large format wine! They stay so much younger.
Apr 25th, 2026
Medium deep lemon yellow . Quite buttery at first , with some yellow plum , citrus peel , touch of honeysuckle and toasty oak . On the palate quite creamy and rich , but retaining good freshness , lemon pith , touch of caramel , butterscotch on the medium length slightly nutty finish . Balanced acidity with good extract , balanced alcohol . Ok medium length . This is showing a bit of age but it still drinking pretty well . Drink now .
Medium deep lemon yellow . Quite buttery at first , with some yellow plum , citrus peel , touch of honeysuckle and toasty oak . On the palate quite creamy and rich , but retaining good freshness , lemon pith , touch of caramel , butterscotch on the medium length slightly nutty finish . Balanced acidity with good extract , balanced alcohol . Ok medium length . This is showing a bit of age but it still drinking pretty well . Drink now .
Feb 14th, 2025