CHATEAU MONTELENA CHARDONNAY

Product Details

Château Montelena Chardonnay
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California

Produced by the iconic Château Montelena, this Chardonnay is one of the most historic and respected white wines in California. Famously known for redefining Napa Chardonnay, it is crafted in a restrained, age-worthy style that emphasizes balance, acidity, and terroir over overt oak.

Style

A classic, elegant Napa Valley Chardonnay with a Burgundian sensibility. Fresh, structured, and mineral-driven, focusing on purity of fruit, vibrant acidity, and subtle oak integration rather than richness or heaviness.

Tasting Notes

Appearance:
Pale straw to light gold with bright, youthful reflections.

Nose:
Refined and precise. Aromas of green apple, lemon zest, pear, and white peach are layered with notes of honeysuckle, wet stone, almond, and a delicate hint of vanilla and toast.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced. Flavours of crisp apple, citrus, and stone fruit are framed by lively acidity and a fine mineral backbone. Subtle notes of hazelnut, light cream, and restrained oak add texture while preserving freshness and clarity.

Finish:
Long, clean, and focused, with lingering citrus, saline minerality, and elegant restraint.

Vintage Character

Château Montelena Chardonnays are consistently shaped by cooler sites and a philosophy of minimal intervention, resulting in wines that prioritize structure, longevity, and purity across vintages rather than vintage-driven extremes.

Drinking Window

Drink now or cellar for 8–15 years, where added complexity and tertiary notes will emerge beautifully with age.

Food Pairing

Excellent with:

• Roast chicken or turkey

• Grilled or poached fish

• Seared scallops

• Shellfish with citrus or beurre blanc

• Soft cheeses and lightly aged cheeses

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific vintage, shorten it for a wine list, or adapt it for retail shelf notes alongside your other benchmark Chardonnays.