Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2022

Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2022

Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2022 is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic white wines. The estate, founded in 1882, helped reshape the history of Californian wine when its 1973 Chardonnay won the famous Judgment of Paris in 1976, establishing Montelena as a global benchmark for Chardonnay with a classic profile, taut structure and serious ageing potential. The 2022 harvest began cool and early. Summer arrived early, relatively mild, with only a few hot days in July. The heatwave in early September had already passed most of the grapes, helping to preserve freshness and add complexity to the remaining fruit.

Vinification: Harvested between 20 August and 7 September. Aged for 10 months in French oak, with only 25% new barrels, following a philosophy that seeks to respect the expression of the vintage and the vineyard rather than impose a heavy oak style. Bottled in July 2023.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, it displays immense purity and intensity, with peach, apricot and kiwi, followed by fresh flowers, orange blossom and melon. On the palate, citrus takes centre stage, with notes of mandarin, Meyer lemon and lime, whilst the still-youthful and slightly firm texture hints at layers of biscuit, cinnamon and toast. The finish begins with Anjou pear, moves through cider-like apple, lemon zest and a subtle hint of ginger, in a long, precise and energetic finish.

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay