Chateau Montelena
Calistoga Zinfandel
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
This is certainly the most interesting Zinfandel I’ve tasted in quite some time, and also one of the best. Montelena sourced Irish oak from a certain distillery for some of the aging. I found this remarkably right bank Bordeaux like with ripe aromas of plums, blueberry pie, cassis, figs, chocolate, spice box and tobacco leaf. Very complex and aristocratic expression. Superb vintage!
This is certainly the most interesting Zinfandel I’ve tasted in quite some time, and also one of the best. Montelena sourced Irish oak from a certain distillery for some of the aging. I found this remarkably right bank Bordeaux like with ripe aromas of plums, blueberry pie, cassis, figs, chocolate, spice box and tobacco leaf. Very complex and aristocratic expression. Superb vintage!
Apr 19th, 2019Deep Ruby. Big bold berry. Prune. Syrupy texture. Lingering finish. Nice mid-palette.
Deep Ruby. Big bold berry. Prune. Syrupy texture. Lingering finish. Nice mid-palette.
Jan 6th, 2019
They used Irish Oak in this bottling.
They used Irish Oak in this bottling.
Apr 18th, 2017a softer elegant expression of the zin ~ very pleasant
a softer elegant expression of the zin ~ very pleasant
Nov 15th, 2016
Lots of fun - huge green pepper notes
Lots of fun - huge green pepper notes
May 14th, 2016
A wonderful Zinfandel. Goes great with grilling....had it with Turkey burgers with Mayo, Provolone, and Microgreens (wasabi mustard and beetroot). Very smooths with a dark ruby color and medium body. Slight spice and earthy to the nose. Cherry and earthy to the taste.
A wonderful Zinfandel. Goes great with grilling....had it with Turkey burgers with Mayo, Provolone, and Microgreens (wasabi mustard and beetroot). Very smooths with a dark ruby color and medium body. Slight spice and earthy to the nose. Cherry and earthy to the taste.
Oct 5th, 2019
So very light for a California Zinfandel. The nose is deceiving but palate is varietally true except for the weight - fleet-footed mouthfeel like a Pinot noir.
So very light for a California Zinfandel. The nose is deceiving but palate is varietally true except for the weight - fleet-footed mouthfeel like a Pinot noir.
Sep 15th, 2019
Could use more time to age but this was great with pizza and Mac & cheese. Fruity but on the dry side. Medium acidity and medium bodied.
Could use more time to age but this was great with pizza and Mac & cheese. Fruity but on the dry side. Medium acidity and medium bodied.
Apr 28th, 2019
Probably the best Zin I’ve had. Though not very complex, but it’s rich and deep yet manages to be light on its feet. Nose of prune, cranberry juice, ripe plum, cinnamon, dates, fermented tea leaf, syrup and hint of smoke. Dark chocolate and spices come on strong on the palate but balanced by a minty feel. Round and soft tannins. Super smooth and velvety.
16 months in combination of American, Irish, and French oak barrels, 20% new. For $30, it’s the best value out of the entire Montelena lineup IMHO.
Probably the best Zin I’ve had. Though not very complex, but it’s rich and deep yet manages to be light on its feet. Nose of prune, cranberry juice, ripe plum, cinnamon, dates, fermented tea leaf, syrup and hint of smoke. Dark chocolate and spices come on strong on the palate but balanced by a minty feel. Round and soft tannins. Super smooth and velvety.
16 months in combination of American, Irish, and French oak barrels, 20% new. For $30, it’s the best value out of the entire Montelena lineup IMHO.