Today Chateau Montelena's distinct 19th century stone structure stands as a quality icon in Napa Valley, consistently producing some of the finest wines in California. Sip on:

• 2017 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
• 2015 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2014 Chateau Montelena The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

History of Chateau Montelena:

In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world. That year a who's-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered for a grand tasting at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Paris. Four white Burgundies were tasted against six California Chardonnays. When the scores were tallied, the French Judges were convinced that the top-ranking white wine was one of their own. In fact, it was Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay, rated above all other wines. This seminal event has been memorialized in the book "The Judgment of Paris," by George Taber, as well as in the 2008 feature film Bottle Shock.

Winemaker Notes:

2017 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Winemaker Notes - The wine opens with fresh peach, apricot, and honeydew amid citrus blossom and rose water. e diversity of aromas in this vintage is astounding as the floral characteristics begin to take center stage with time in the glass along with ample fresh pear and cinnamon. Lush, viscous, and driven by lemon curd, the palate leans toward creaminess but with enough bright acid, green apple, and toast to bring balance and finesse. The ripeness of the vintage drives the mouthfeel as the flavors exude freshness and vibrancy, a unique combination. Concentrated and persistent, again stone fruit appear, albeitin candied form, along with a hint of white pepper and plenty of orange zest.

2015 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker Notes - This wine's nose is classic Napa Valley, filled with juicy blackberries, rich cocoa, and cassis. After a few moments, dried cherry and a touch of tobacco come into focus along with some wispy notes of fresh violets. Density and concentration sum up the palate nicely as tight-grained tannin is interwoven among layers of fresh raspberry, mint, and hazelnut. These notes slowly transition to a subtle richness of molasses and fig that's almost chewy enough to sink your teeth into. The finish is seamless and complementary to the palate with strawberry jam, Earl Grey tea, and bright, refreshing acidity that should pair equally well with light fare or hardy cuisine.

2014 Chateau Montelena The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker Notes- The interplay of cassis, vanilla, and black cherry are quite complementary yet also dynamic; shifting to fresh blueberry with a hint of tobacco. These, in turn, are buttressed by dark chocolate, mocha, and a slight suggestion of sweet oak. Silky, fine-grain tannins vie with vibrant acidity that slowly exposes the rich, ripe raspberry and blackberry notes that dominate the mid-palate. While the fruit is lush and mouth-coating, some patience will unveil the subtle layers of anise, smoke, and earth hidden beneath. The finish extends the density and structure as cloves and cinnamon combine with nuances of briar and flint, yielding an extraordinarily food-friendly wine.
Blend: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot