CHATEAU MONTELENA Zinfandel - Calistoga, Napa Valley 2016/19 Bottle

Description

Chateau Montelena shot to fame in 1976 at the iconic Judgement of Paris which shook the wine world to its core when their 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay won first place against an enviable line-up of top French Burgundies. The result was a shock to the wine trade all over the world and it changed the history of Californian wine and Chateau Montelena forever. They have been making top class wine for over 30 years and firmly established themselves as an iconic Napa Valley estate.

NOSE: Aromas of cinnamon and allspice quickly yield to ripe cherry and a torrent of red fruit along with a characteristic hint of tobacco.

PALATE: Dark and lush, the initial perception of tart raspberry is overwhelmed by blackberry jam, red licorice, and a supple earthiness that leans toward black pepper and anise.

FINISH: Intriguing in its contrast to the palate, the finish is driven primarily by the briar and spice character of the old vines: layered and dense, with just enough tannin to balance the mocha and barrel toast character from time in the cellar.