A delicate and complex bouquet of lychee, white peach, citrus, orange blossoms and hints of toasted almonds is supported by a strong backbone of minerality. Soft and fleshy flavors are deftly integrated with bright citrus and subtle notes of oak on the long and pleasant finish.

Located just north of Calistoga in Napa Valley, CA, Chateau Montelena was founded by Alfred L. Tubbs in 1882. By 1896, it was the seventh largest estate in the Napa Valley. In 1958, the Tubbs family sold the Chateau to Yort and Jeanie Frank, who transformed the estate’s grounds into the beautiful showpiece that it is today. When the Barrett family bought the property in 1972, James Barrett restored the original vineyards and completely refurbished the winery. His son, Bo Barrett is master winemaker and has overseen the production of each and every vintage of Chateau Montelena. His knowledge and more than 30 years of experience ensure consistency in terms of quality and proper expression of the house style. Winemaker Cameron Parry manages all winemaking activities with the help of assistant winemaker Matt Cratfon and vineyard manager Dave Vella. The now infamous Paris tasting of 1976 placed California, and in particular Chateau Montelena at the forefront of the wine world and the family continues to build upon their success. The portfolio now includes Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Riesling.

Technical notes

2009 was a bountiful harvest, so much so that the team at Chateau Montelena exercised strict triage and used only the best fruit for the Estate Chardonnay. Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels (9% new), juice from the estate’s new Dijon clones was added to the blend to enhance floral tones and add complexity.