Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015
Napa Valley, California
Chateau Montelena’s Napa Chardonnay showed that the new world could create classically balanced and complex wines in its own voice, and that from the right sites and with perseverance, the results could equal anything made the world over. Through fads and trends, Montelena has never changed in its philosophy of bringing the sunshine of California in a style that is structured, balanced and age worthy.
In 1976, in what is now memorialized as “The Judgment of Paris”, Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay was the top-ranking wine against four white Burgundies and five other California Chardonnays in a blind tasting with a who’s-who of the french food and wine industry judging. And as they say, the rest is history.
Vineyard
The Chardonnay for the 2015 vintage is sourced from vineyards located in the south-central Napa Valley appellation, near the base of Mt. Veeder and Dry Creek Valley Road on the western bench of the Napa Valley. It has a good north-eastern exposure with a slope of 4-7%. The Haire-Loam soil has a profile very similar to that of the Carneros region, although the climate is slightly warmer. The vineyard site, developed from old ocean terraces and alluvial fans, contains a lot of sedimentary material such as decomposed shale and blue/gray clay. This soil mixture gives moderate drainage and slight acidity. Typically, the Chardonnay has a concentrated floral, green apple aroma and a refreshing and persistent impression on the palate.
Winemaking
The Napa Valley Chardonnay is made of 100% Chardonnay grapes and was aged in 100% French oak barrels for 10 months. Emblematic to the style of the estate, it offers concentrated floral, green apple aromas and a refreshing and persistent impression on the palate.
Vintage
Despite some early, sizable winter storms, the beginning of the 2015 growing season turned mild and dry prompting early budbreak in the vineyards. A light crop, resulting from a rather blustery April and May, soaked up the sun during a picture-perfect Napa Valley summer. Harvesting began in mid-August as the temperatures began to warm and dry-breezes from the desert pressed us into action. The end result is a stunning expression of Chardonnay.
Tasting Note
The ripeness of the vintage is readily apparent as pineapple and stone fruit burst from the glass during the first pour. Fresh melon, along with cinnamon, nutmeg and myriad of baking spices follow suit as the wine begins to warm and its aromatic opulence comes into focus. While the toasty barrel character sets the stage for richness and depth, take the time to enjoy the beautiful interplay between the crisp, fresh orange zest and ginger notes and how they interact with the creaminess and texture from the lees aging. The texture of the mid-palate seamlessly overlays the dense, concentrated finish, punctuated by baked apple, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper.
Food Pairing
This is a totally food friendly wine that can be enjoyed on its own, or as a complement to any number of dishes – especially fresh seafood, shellfish or poultry. The creaminess of a crab salad or lobster roll will cut through the acidity and citrus notes of the wine beautifully.
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
Appellation
Napa Valley, California
Suggested Retail Price
$55.00
Reviews
a gorgeous wine
Vinous - August 10, 2018 “…2015 Chardonnay is shaping up to be a gorgeous wine. The warmer vintage has resulted in a slightly richer style of Chardonnay, although the house style built on energy and tension is still very much in evidence. Candied lemon, white flowers and mint are nicely textured. Soft, enveloping and gracious, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
Honeyed-pear and melon
Wine Advocate - April 6, 2023 “You'll pay a hefty premium for the extra five years of aging, but the 2015 Chardonnay is showing enticing hints of development in its honeyed pear and melon aromas. It's medium to full-bodied, succulent and silky on the palate, with a long, mouthwatering finish.” - J.C 3/23
Reviews
More on Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015
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December 6, 2018 - Antonio Galloni visited Chateau Montelena Master Winemaker Bo Barrett during harvest this year, to get a sense of the growing season in the Calistoga AVA of Napa Valley. He caught…
Trade Materials
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