Reviews & Ratings

2021 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay "Napa Valley"

Winery: Chateau Montelena

Vintage: 2021

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $75

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 93 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: November 6, 2023

Wine Review: This brilliant pale straw colored Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena opens with a fragrant and appealing oak, vanilla, and pineapple bouquet. The flavor profile is a chalky minerality and honeydew melon blend with notes of delicate oak, steeped green tea, and Anjou pear. I also detected some hints of vanilla, pineapple, and a touch of lemon verbena in the mix. The finish is dry and its flavors drift away nicely. The Panel thought this impressive Chard would pair very well with halibut stuffed with crab meat. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The aromatic diversity here is breathtaking. The wine cleanly and discreetly checks off all the boxes of a great vintage with orange blossom, green apple and white peach. Some floral notes of chamomile and honeysuckle moderate the grandeur of the fruit but also slowly subside. The palate brings a parade of bright, ripe melon fruit and brimming with minerality, lemon curd and crème brûlée. While there are some soft barrel undertones magnified by a subtle chalkiness. The finish initially leans exotic and tropical, first as banana and then as starfruit before slowly yielding to d'Anjou pear and baking spice.

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