Chateau Montelena's Napa Valley Chardonnay is a sumptuous and complex Californian wine that presents a perfect symphony of flavours. Showcasing stunning depth, it opens with notes of Granny Smith apple, evolving into lush tropical undertones. The palate offers extensive layers, blending rich flavours of pear, zesty citrus, and vanilla seamlessly. This wine is beautifully balanced, with the bright acidity expertly counteracting the smooth, lingering creamy finish. Aged in French oak barrels, it unfolds a sophisticated profile, making it an excellent choice for any discerning wine connoisseur.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Bright gold in the glass, the wine opens with green apple, honeysuckle and orange blossom. The citrus in particular seems to be most evident, as lime leaf and lemon zest at this stage. This vintage was more classic rather than overly ripe, so it’s not surprising. There’s a hint of fresh wood and vanilla as well, adding some nuance without overshadowing the beautiful floral character. Palate: The parade of citrus marches on, although the midpalate turns more tropical with starfruit and pineapple. And while there’s still plenty of green apple, the texture and juiciness of Asian pear adds complexity and depth. The acid is consistent and winds its way through the profile, lifting the texture and balancing the suppleness from barrel. This will be a long-lived wine. Finish: The transition to the finish is still somewhat abrupt due to the wine’s youth and dynamism. This will change over time. But here, the character is dominated by lemon curd and pie crust, along with chalk and fresh apricot. The acid is still mouthwatering, although it has mellowed somewhat. Despite its young age, the overall length of this Chardonnay is impressive.

About the Winery

Nestled amidst the verdant vineyards of Napa Valley, California sits an unparalleled gem of viticulture—The Chateau Montelena. This revered winery stands steeped in history, offering not only a feast for the palate, but also a delightful journey through time.

Inaugurated in 1882. Chateau Montelena remarkably marries Old World charm with New World innovation. Its picturesque stone chateau, inspired by English Gothic architecture and surrounded by a tranquil Chinese garden, captures the essence of its founders' heritage, ensuring every visit is a delightful escape into an era of elegance.

The winery is globally celebrated for its exquisite range of transformative wines. Their distinguishing clay-based soil has been the secret ingredient to the breathtaking liquid treasures they've been crafting for nearly a hundred and fifty years. The mastery behind the Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, is noteworthy — a testament to the winery's myriad accolades and esteemed reputation.

Chateau Montelena stunned the world in 1976 at the Paris Wine Tasting, also known as "The Judgment of Paris," with a jaw-dropping victory that catapulted California into worldwide wine fame. It’s Chardonnay trounced eminent French wines, revolutionising the wine scene and placing Napa Valley on the global vino map.

The essence of Chateau Montelena doesn’t merely lie in its luminous wine legacy. It is ingrained in its tireless pursuit for sustainable farming practices, and its commitment to balanced, authentic wine-making that respects the land and its unique terroir.

Chateau Montelena is truly an enigma rooted in rich, fertile soil— a winery like none other. It stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Napa Valley, a beacon of American wine legacy, and an ode to the simple yet profound pleasure of exceptional wine.

http://montelena.com

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