Chateau Montelena

For the first of 3 posts about tasting in Napa Valley I will focus on just one winery. Chateau Montelena was the first place I had a reserved tasting and is situated in the north of Napa Valley in the small town of Calistoga. It is a beautiful place with a stone chateau nestled in the side of the hills covered in trees. The left side has been renovated to accommodate the tourists which now bring so much revenue in the area. I was brought to a private room where 6 glasses were lined up ready to go. 

I was led through the tasting by a girl who was extremely passionate about the place. First was their Potter Valley Riesling which is made in a traditional German style - an ode to the founder of the Chateau who was himself German and a great fan of the grape. It was off-dry, yet wonderfully balanced without the flabbiness and sticky nature of many Napa Rieslings. Being a big fan of Riesling made in this style, I really enjoyed this wine - perfect for fresh seafood, or asian dishes. From there I was given the 2009 Chardonnay. The Chardonnay here has been very well-known since the Judgement of Paris in the 70s, and especially since the recognition in the movie Bottleshock. The tasting did not disappoint - it was a spectacular wine that was subtle yet powerful from nose to the back of the palate. Beautiful sugary nuttiness on the finish, with a silky blossom, citrus and tropicality on the palate. It was lengthy and very impressive - definitely one to savour, if given the chance. 

What was apparent though, was that they wished to show off their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. I was then given four vintages of this in a row, from 04, and 06 through 08. The 2004 was sublime - well-rounded, gripping tannins were the feature, with a punchy blackcurrant palate, touches of cedar-wood and an almost minty coolness providing an exciting mouthful. 

The next three vintages were varying in their excellence. They all seemed very young and not sure of their feet quite yet. The 2007 was mediocre despite the perfect growing weather in the season, while the 2008 showed fantastic promise, with very well-integrated alcohol and structure. The star was however the 2006 which had a very impressive fruity palate that took over and lasted for ever, with a silky tannic hold assisting. 

Overall, the Chateau, while catering for tourists, seemed to hold a sense of being solely about the wine. They were very well-made and all incredibly powerful. However, due to relatively small production and costs, it is near impossible to find it over in the UK, a great shame. This does mean though that I am not going to be able to shell out £100 or so per bottle very often. My favourite of the tasting had to be the Chardonnay. It certainly lived up to expectation and at around £40 per bottle it is a steal for those special occasions. If any of you are in the States, it would be worth buying one or two.