Château Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2006
Château Montelena
In the glass the wine is exactly what you would expect from a young Montelena Chardonnay, showing bright yellow gold, with good color density. It smells great, like a green apple pie, bright and a little citrus-y, a bowlful of fresh fruit. The palate is very nice, very smooth, with classic Chardonnay flavors of apple and kiwi, and a lovely finish that leaves the palate refreshed and wanting more. Typically a little tight in its youth, a textbook characteristic of a Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, this wine will reward you with pleasing structure and complexity after some time in the cellar.
Wine Advocate
Montelena’s non-malolactic Chardonnay hasn’t changed in more than 30 years, and they certainly deserve credit for that. It rarely sees more than 20% new oak, and in certain vintages can age remarkably well. The 2005 exhibits beautiful precision, hints of Granny Smith apples, lemon zest, and a touch of orange rind, with medium body, zesty acidity, but surprising intensity and flavor. I’m sure it will still be humming along 10 or more years from now.
Score: 91.
—Robert Parker,
December
2007.
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All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
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