Chateau Montelena

The chateau gained international recognition in 1976 at the 'Judgment of Paris,' where its 1973 Chardonnay famously triumphed over renowned French white wines, catapulting California wine onto the global stage. This pivotal moment cemented Chateau Montelena's place in wine history.

Chateau Montelena, located at 1429 Tubbs Ln in Napa Valley, boasts a rich history dating back to 1882 when it was founded by Alfred L. Tubbs. The winery quickly established itself as a producer of premium wines, deeply rooted in the Napa Valley terroir.

Officially recognized by the American National Register of Historic Places in August 2013, Chateau Montelena continues to honor its legacy while adapting to the evolving landscape of the wine industry.

The primary grape varietals grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Riesling. These varietals are carefully cultivated to express the distinctive characteristics of the Napa Valley terroir.

Chateau Montelena's vineyards are situated in the northern part of Napa Valley, near Calistoga, off Tubbs Lane. The estate encompasses close to 121 acres under vine, benefiting from the unique microclimates and soil compositions of the region.

While specific harvest methods are not detailed, the winery's commitment to quality suggests a meticulous approach, potentially combining hand-picked and machine harvesting techniques.

The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in 20% to 25% new oak for up to 22 months, with barrels stored in tunnels and caves beneath the chateau. This traditional approach yields a wine with medium to full body, balanced acidity, and firm tannins.

Chateau Montelena is renowned for its premium wines, particularly the Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and the Napa Valley Chardonnay. The winery produces approximately 50,000 cases per vintage across its entire portfolio.

The Napa Valley Chardonnay is known for its rich and full-bodied character, typical of Napa Valley Chardonnays, featuring buttery notes, medium to high acidity, and a smooth finish. The winery also produces Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Riesling.

Given its prestigious reputation, visitors can expect a sophisticated and educational experience, delving into the winery's history, terroir, and winemaking philosophy.

While specific details about visitor experiences are limited, Chateau Montelena likely offers tastings and tours that showcase its historic estate and premium wines.

It is recommended to check the Chateau Montelena official website for the most up-to-date information on tasting room hours, tour availability, and reservation requirements.

The winery continues to produce high-quality wines, striving to balance tradition with innovation in its winemaking practices.

Chateau Montelena's legacy is firmly rooted in its role in the Judgment of Paris, a watershed moment that transformed the perception of California wines worldwide.

While recent reviews suggest mixed opinions on current wine quality, Chateau Montelena remains a significant figure in Napa Valley, committed to expressing the unique terroir of its estate for generations to come.