Review: 2022 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Chateau Montelena is one of the most reliable producers in Napa Valley, regularly turning out stellar chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. These two wines represent the Montelena flagship offerings, and both are current releases. Thoughts follow.
2022 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley
Absolutely no complaints here: This Napa chardonnay threads the needle, deftly combining notes of marzipan, fresh lemon and tangerine, and layered salinity to make for a near-perfect California chardonnay experience. Vanilla notes are ample but well-integrated into a core that is filled with fruit but never heavy or syrupy, leaning into melon, pineapple, and lychee on the finish. Throughout it all there’s an ample salinity that keeps the wine bright and fresh. My pick for chardonnay of the summer. A / $75
2019 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga
A rather tame expression of cabernet, gentle fruit evoking blackberry and blueberry over the more expected currant and plum notes. While a slick of milk chocolate offers a hint of the dessert tray, secondary characteristics of expressed rosemary, mint, and a light note of grilled meat temper any thoughts that this wine will turn sweet or unctuous. Finishing elements run to toasted coconut, layered tannins, and a tart edge of cherry. This wine is probably at its prime right now. I wouldn’t hold it for more than a few more years. A- / $200
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