Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2019

Château Montelena’s Chardonnay gained legendary status after its stunning victory in the 1976 Judgement of Paris, where it triumphed over top French white wines and helped put Napa Valley on the world wine map. Founded in 1882 in Calistoga, Château Montelena produces a style of Chardonnay that is balanced and restrained, favouring elegance over opulence. Their approach to Chardonnay is rooted in showcasing the purity of the fruit, using minimal oak influence to highlight the unique terroir of Napa’s cooler regions.

The 2019 vintage benefitted from a relatively cool growing season, allowing for slow, even ripening. This helped retain the wine’s natural acidity and freshness, while enhancing the complexity of flavours. The fruit for this Chardonnay is sourced from Montelena’s estate vineyards, which sit on well-draining volcanic soils, known for imparting minerality and depth to the wine.

Appearance: Pale gold with brilliant clarity and a slight greenish hue, reflecting its youth and freshness.

Aroma: Bright and vibrant, with aromas of green apple, pear, and lemon zest, intertwined with hints of white flowers and wet stone. There’s a subtle undertone of vanilla and almond, owing to the light oak treatment, which adds complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Taste: Crisp and refreshing, yet layered with flavours of citrus, apple, and stone fruits like peach and apricot. The wine displays a beautiful balance of fruit and acidity, with a delicate touch of creaminess from the malolactic fermentation. The hallmark minerality of Montelena’s estate vineyards comes through on the palate, adding depth and texture to the wine.

Finish: Long and clean, with lingering notes of lemon, green apple, and a subtle hint of toasted hazelnut. The finish is elegant and refreshing, with a bright, zesty edge that leaves you wanting more.

Food Pairing: This Chardonnay pairs perfectly with grilled sea bass or other white fish, where the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the fish, while its minerality complements the clean, delicate flavours. It would also shine alongside creamy risotto with wild mushrooms, as the wine’s freshness balances the creamy texture, while the earthy notes of the mushrooms enhance the wine’s subtle complexity.