2016 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
Poured from a double magnum. Light nose but definite California ripeness and breadth. But then chalky acidity. Still very youthful! (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Light, fresh, yellow citrus, green apple and lemon peel with a touch of vanilla and flowers in a ready to drink format are what you find here. 90 Points
Juicy pear and peach aromas, this is stone-fruit led and spicy on the nose. The palate is fleshy and ripe, with a satiny texture cut through by bright acidity. The oak is a little heavy and disjointed on the finish, but the fruit still lingers. (TP)
Sourced mostly from a tiny site in Oak Knoll, the 2016 Chardonnay Napa Valley sees no malolactic fermentation and is brought up in 10-20% new French oak. It's a steely, racy effort that has pretty notes of tart citrus, apple blossom, lemon, and hints of minerality, Clean, medium-bodied, very vibrant and fresh, it's balanced and lengthy. It's going to age as well.
About the producer
Chateau Montelena is a historic Napa Valley estate that rose to global fame after its 1973 Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Renowned for both its Chardonnay and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery continues to produce elegant, age-worthy wines with a legacy of excellence.