Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley 2010

Date of Tasting: 3 April 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 14.1%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://montelena.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 91/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 92/100, ST - 91/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Pale golden straw

Aroma: Citrus aroma and white flowers

Palate: Lingering acidity presented. Medium-full on the touch with oil-like softness. Notes of sweet and sour grapefruit and honey lemon. Very mild oakiness on the finish.

It was a nice one in which I could enjoy with food and solely as aperitif. It's not big nor light. The penetration of acidity comes into play a little too much for my liking. Though Chateau Montelena Chardonnay shows its gorgeous side, I wish there were more of complexity wave of notes. Chablis-like in the form of Napa Valley chardonnay in my point of view. Not sure if it would develop anything further but if you like this kind of style, drinking now won't harm you.

Score Explanation

95+ = classic and extraordinary

90+ = outstanding in its class

85+ = recommended wine with some degree of enjoyment

80+ = drinkable occasionally

WA = Wine Advocate
AG = Antonio Galloni
WS = Wine Spectator
WE = Wine Enthusiast
JR = Jancis Robinson
DC = Decanter
JS = James Suckling
BH = Burghound
FS = Falstaff Magazine
ST = Stephen Tanzer
CT = Cellar Tracker Average Score