This pretty, well-crafted effort presents classic Botrytised aromas and flavors of apricot and honey. Balanced expressions of acidity and minerality come together on the crisp and mouthwatering finish.

Located just north of Calistoga in Napa Valley, California, Chateau Montelena is an iconic estate whose name is synonymous with excellence. Founded in 1882 by Alfred L. Tubbs, this businessman steadily increased production until Prohibition, after which the property fell into disrepair. In 1958, Yort and Jeanie Frank purchased the estate and slowly transformed it into the beautiful property that it is today. When the Barrett family bought the property in 1972, James Barrett focused his attention on restoring the vineyards, winery and cellar. Chateau Montelena is a true family affair – James’s son Bo is Montelena’s master winemaker and for more than 30 years he has consistently created benchmark wines in the house style. Other key members of the winemaking team include winemaker Cameron Parry, assistant winemaker Matt Cratfon and vineyard manager Dave Vella. The now famous Paris tasting of 1976 placed Chateau Montelena at the forefront of the wine world and the family continues to build upon its legacy of excellence and dedication to terroir-driven, authentic wines.

Technical notes

2011 was a long growing season, resulting in beautifully balanced fruit that displayed concentrated flavors with proper phenolic balance. By the time the grapes were harvested, noble rot was prevalent throughout the vineyard. The must was fermented in stainless steel using three different yeast strains and the wine was racked on its fine lees before aging in neutral barrels and stainless steel.