Log in / Sign up Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2019
40 years and still running strong, the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay began its history with the 1972 vintage and gained worldwide recognition when the 1973 offering bested a group of highly acclaimed Burgundies in a major 1976 blind tasting. Over the years the winery has kept up its focus and consistently produced fine efforts.
Medium straw colour; the aromas exhibit ripe apples and as hading of sweet oak; medium-bodied, fine, and rich on the palate; dry, nice acidity, well balanced; ripe apple and sweet oak in its vibrant flavours.
Bright gold in colour and incredibly aromatic, the ripeness of the vintage is most pronounced initially; melon, perfume, and orange blossom slowly give way to fresh peach, honeysuckle, and apricot. There’s very little overt oak influence on the nose, although it comes across subtly in the background as pie crust and toast.
It’s the suppleness and silky mouthfeel that strike first, although there’s abundant mango and citrus with Meyer lemon here as well. The minerality is chalky and distinct, a beautiful contrast that layers in with the acid adding both complexity and depth. There’s slightly more wood on the transition to the finish, surfacing as a baking spice and crème brûlée. However, they’re handily overwhelmed by notes of Asian pear, mango, and pineapple—absolutely delicious. In time, expect hazelnut and almond to appear.
