Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay (2019)

Bright gold in color and incredibly aromatic, the ripeness of the vintage is most pronounced initially; melon, perfume, and orange blossom slowly give way to fresh peach, honeysuckle and apricot. There’s very little overt oak influence on the nose, although it comes across subtly in the background as pie crust and toast. It’s the suppleness and silky mouthfeel that strike first, although there’s abundant mango and citrus with Meyer lemon here as well. The minerality is chalky and distinct, a beautiful contrast that layers in with the acid adding both complexity and depth. There’s slightly more wood on the transition to the finish, surfacing as baking spice and crème brûlée. However, they’re handily overwhelmed by notes of Asian pear, mango and pineapple—absolutely delicious. In time, expect hazelnut and almond to appear.

Tasting Notes

97 pts Vinepair
This wine continues to excite from vintage to vintage. With such skill at the wheel, the slight turns and twists every year are a joy to experience. The nose holds you in place with soft wafts of ripe green apple and melon. The soft, elegant fruit is cleaved by a refreshing run of minerality rushing into your senses. On the palate elegance and depth is the theme, with that softness of the fruit felt on the nose carrying through, giving the wine a subtle weight. The natural acidity flits through the wine: one moment you are perceiving depth and the next refreshment. This is still an American Chardonnay done right.