|
It was a 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that outscored the likes of Roulot and the Drouhin Clos des Mouches in 1976, so that wine was in the bottle for three years. Coincidentally, we’ve got the 2022 vintage in stock now!
Crafted with a focus on balance over opulence, the 2022 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay is fermented in French oak but aged primarily in neutral barrels to highlight freshness rather than overt oak influence. On the palate, it delivers bright notes of crisp green apple, ripe pear, and citrus zest, layered with hints of honeysuckle and a subtle minerality. The texture is elegant yet vibrant, finishing with refreshing acidity that makes it both food-friendly and cellar-worthy. This vintage captures Montelena’s signature style of restrained, Old World-inspired Napa Chardonnay.
Okay, we know those laurels are pretty old to still be resting on, so when’s the last time you checked in with Montelena’s other outstanding offerings?
The 2021 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the estate’s deep roots in Calistoga, where the winery has farmed its rugged vineyards since 1882. The fruit is hand-harvested and undergoes extended maceration to build structure and extract nuanced flavor before aging in a mix of French and American oak. Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum unfold with hints of cedar, spice, and graphite. The palate is powerful yet refined, with firm tannins and a long, polished finish that speaks to both site and craftsmanship.
The 2021 Chateau Montelena Potter Valley Riesling is a rare bottling from the historic Calistoga estate, better known for putting California Chardonnay on the world stage at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Sourced from cool-climate Potter Valley, the grapes are harvested early and fermented slowly at low temperatures to preserve aromatics and natural acidity. The wine bursts with vibrant notes of lime, white peach, and green apple, accented by delicate jasmine and a touch of wet stone minerality. Its lively acidity and clean, off-dry finish make it both refreshing on its own and versatile at the table. This bottling showcases Montelena’s commitment to crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines beyond their celebrated Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Whether you’re someone who is well familiar with the pedigree of Montelena or someone who wants to acquaint themselves with a cornerstone of American wine history, let Maison Brondeau provide you with a selection of Napa’s finest!
|
