Chateau Montelena

Napa Valley Chardonnay

9.126 ratings
9.25 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Bob McDonald

I haven’t had a lot of experience with Napa Valley Chardonnay but this was most enjoyable. Rich and mouth filling, creamy. Stone fruit and almonds. Barb said white flowers on the nose. Apparently this was picked early and malolactic fermentation was blocked. Oak influence is totally integrated - balanced. I paid $147 AUD in Brisbane in September 2021. A lot dearer than what you might pay in the States I would guess.

I haven’t had a lot of experience with Napa Valley Chardonnay but this was most enjoyable. Rich and mouth filling, creamy. Stone fruit and almonds. Barb said white flowers on the nose. Apparently this was picked early and malolactic fermentation was blocked. Oak influence is totally integrated - balanced. I paid $147 AUD in Brisbane in September 2021. A lot dearer than what you might pay in the States I would guess.

Mar 24th, 2024
Bob McDonald

I made some great notes on Sunday and then lost them! Overall a delicate wine with excellent oak treatment to match the lighter fruit. Under ripe white flesh stone fruit and grapefruit with a minor toasty vanilla note. Many of my previous experiences with Cali Chardonnay were overoaked but this had great balance and thoroughly enjoyable. I notice some other tasters noted ripe Chardonnay fruit - certainly not in comparison to Leeuwin Art Series in my experience.

I made some great notes on Sunday and then lost them! Overall a delicate wine with excellent oak treatment to match the lighter fruit. Under ripe white flesh stone fruit and grapefruit with a minor toasty vanilla note. Many of my previous experiences with Cali Chardonnay were overoaked but this had great balance and thoroughly enjoyable. I notice some other tasters noted ripe Chardonnay fruit - certainly not in comparison to Leeuwin Art Series in my experience.

Jul 11th, 2022
LM Segal

Always meets the bar

Always meets the bar

Jun 17th, 2021
Cathy Corison

Owner/Winemaker Corison Winery

8.8

Ripe Chardonnay fruit.

Ripe Chardonnay fruit.

Jul 1st, 2020
Penny Wild-perkowski

2017

Oct 27th, 2022
Ericsson

A Napa legend.

A Napa legend.

Jul 22nd, 2021
Bill Mowry

Young with apricot, lemon, and citrus.

Young with apricot, lemon, and citrus.

Apr 3rd, 2021
Brendan Baker

Lemon, stone fruit, bright

Lemon, stone fruit, bright

Mar 14th, 2021
Bruce Gunther

Very nice..mineral notes, floral, almost key lime. Smooth, balanced, surprisingly light mouth feel, a bit of tartness in the finish.

Very nice..mineral notes, floral, almost key lime. Smooth, balanced, surprisingly light mouth feel, a bit of tartness in the finish.

Feb 15th, 2021
Andrea Watt

I liked the 2016 better but still a very good wine. Oak, pear, citrus, and chard.

I liked the 2016 better but still a very good wine. Oak, pear, citrus, and chard.

Feb 14th, 2021