Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021 is a 13.7% ABV, 750mL white wine from Napa Valley, California — 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in the south-central valley, near the base of Mt. Veeder, on old ocean terraces and alluvial fans (2021 tech sheet, via the winery's US agent Vintus). The fruit — harvested from August 22 and picked within seven days in the warm, dry 2021 season — was fermented slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel and aged 10 months in French oak. Montelena's house style for this wine blocks malolactic fermentation, keeping the profile bright and mineral rather than buttery. Decanter scored the 2021 at 93 points. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 13.7% (Vintus 2021 tech sheet)
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 2021
- Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
- Appellation: Napa Valley, California (south-central valley vineyards)
- Winemaking: Temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation; 10 months in French oak; house style blocks malolactic fermentation
- Score: 93 points — Decanter (2021)
- Producer: Chateau Montelena, Calistoga, CA (founded 1882; winemaker Matt Crafton)
The House the Judgment of Paris Made Famous
Chateau Montelena was founded in 1882 just north of Calistoga, and its Chardonnay put it — and Napa Valley — on the world map in 1976, when the winery's Chardonnay (the 1973 vintage, per winery histories) ranked first among white wines at the Judgment of Paris blind tasting against top white Burgundies and California peers. The modern bottling still follows the same lean, mineral template: cool sites, stainless fermentation, French oak in support rather than in front. Find the estate on the Chateau Montelena vendor page or browse the white wine collection.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Green apple, white peach and orange blossom with chamomile, honeysuckle, lemon balm, cinnamon and mint (winemaker note). Palate: Bright and zesty — lemon curd, creme brulee and ripe melon over minerality and a subtle chalkiness. Finish: D'Anjou pear and baking spice, candied citrus, vanilla and marzipan.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled, around 50°F. The wine's acidity and restraint suit grilled fish, roast chicken, scallops and salads with citrus or goat cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Chateau Montelena really win the Judgment of Paris? Yes — its Chardonnay was the top-ranking white at the 1976 Paris blind tasting; winery histories identify the winning vintage as the 1973.
Is the 2021 barrel-fermented? No — it was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel and then aged 10 months in French oak barrels, per the 2021 tech sheet.
What is the ABV of the 2021? 13.7%, per the winery's 2021 tech sheet distributed by its US agent, Vintus.
A Napa icon in a bright vintage — order Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2021 from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.