Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California 2016

Chateau Montelena’s Napa Valley Chardonnay, a wine famous for winning the “Judgment of Paris” in 1976. In a blind tasting with French judges, Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay was rated higher than prestigious white Burgundies, an event that put California wines on the world stage. Unlike some other California Chardonnays, this wine is known for a classic style that avoids excessively buttery or oaky notes, focusing instead on freshness, vintage, and varietal character. The winemaker, Matt Crafton, aims for a balanced, complex, and age-worthy wine. This wine is described as featuring notes of lush pear, lime leaf, and orange blossom. It has strong minerality and bright acidity, with a gorgeous mouthfeel and more gravitas than one would expect.

The 2016 vintage of Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay is considered an excellent vintage due to a near-perfect growing season. The resulting wine was praised by critics and is described as fresh, nuanced, and energetic, with good aging potential. 

• Aromas: Honeysuckle, jasmine, and apple blossom are prominent, along with delicate notes of vanilla and lemon balm.
• Palate: The wine features flavors of green apple, candied orange peel, and baking spices, layered with citrus and a hint of minerality.
• Finish: It has a rich and silky finish with notes of toasted pear that will become more supple and complex over time