Chateau Montelena · Chardonnay · Napa Valley · California · 2023 · 750ml
On May 24, 1976, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay changed the wine world forever. In a blind tasting judged by a who’s-who of French food and wine critics — now known as the Judgment of Paris — it took first place over Burgundy’s most celebrated whites, announcing California as a serious fine wine region to a skep...Show More >
Chateau Montelena · Chardonnay · Napa Valley · California · 2023 · 750ml
On May 24, 1976, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay changed the wine world forever. In a blind tasting judged by a who’s-who of French food and wine critics — now known as the Judgment of Paris — it took first place over Burgundy’s most celebrated whites, announcing California as a serious fine wine region to a skeptical world. Nearly fifty years later, the Montelena Chardonnay remains the benchmark: a wine of extraordinary precision, minerality, and longevity that has never chased trends or compromised its identity. Winemaker Matt Crafton has described the 2023 vintage as one of the best in the last decade — a cool, mild growing season that produced wines of exceptional tension, acidity, and aging potential. At $69.99, this is a piece of California wine history in every bottle.
Brilliant pale gold in the glass with a vivid, pure nose of Meyer lemon, citrus blossom, white peach, and oyster shell minerality — linear, precise, and utterly compelling. On the palate: lush pear, lime leaf, orange blossom, and flinty minerals, with bright, racy acidity that gives the wine extraordinary shape and drive. Marcona almond notes add depth and texture through a long, elegant finish. Decanter called it “vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character… crisp, crunchy acidity provides shape and drive.” Winemaker Matt Crafton notes the mouthfeel is “just gorgeous with more gravitas and weight than I would have expected.” Drink now through 2035+, or cellar for a decade to watch it fully unfold. Pair with lobster, roast halibut, Dover sole, or aged Comté.
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Producer: Chateau Montelena · Winemaker Matt Crafton
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Wine: Chardonnay · Napa Valley
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Vintage: 2023
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Origin: Napa Valley, California
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Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
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Style: Precise, mineral, age-worthy Napa Chardonnay
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Certifications: Sustainable
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Notable: 1976 Judgment of Paris — 1st Place
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Press: Decanter — “Vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character”
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Drinking Window: Now–2035+
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Size: 750ml
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Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, citrus blossom, pear, lime leaf, orange blossom, flinty minerals, Marcona almond, long elegant finish
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Pair With: Lobster · Roast halibut · Dover sole · Aged Comté
The wine that won the Judgment of Paris — Napa Chardonnay at its most precise and enduring.
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