Chateau Montelena in the Twin Cities

Another great Haskell’s event last night. Of course I brought an 04 for sharing. Too many people are cheap and don’t share. 3 Day yes sir!!!

CellarTracker! Chateau Montelena Tasting

• 2022 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs – USA, California, North Coast
  Very nice with floral, lemon, spices, lime and minerals. Refreshing and always a solid Sparkler. (91 pts.)
• 2023 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley – USA, California, Napa Valley
  One of the better vintages of this Chardonnay. Normally not a big fan and find them boring but this one is rich and complex. Oak, lemon, spices, apple, dust, matchstick and white flowers. Medium plus finish. Easy purchased. 92+ (92 pts.)

• 2023 Hyde De Villaine Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard – USA, California, Napa Valley
  Well not my preferred style. Some herbs in there that were not doing it but still a good wine with spices, orange peel, stone and sour apples. Minerals dominate the finish. For sure a bit pricy. (90 pts.)
• 2022 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – USA, California, Napa Valley
  Glasvin Kane. Showing way better than the 2022 Estate at this tasting. Fruit dominates this wine and really drinking well. Cherry, plum, blueberries, spices, dust, wood, minerals and baking chocolate. Medium plus finish. Really accessible right now. (92 pts.)

• 2004 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate – USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
  Wow showing great tonight with earth, cigar, minerals, floral, spices and dried cherries. For sure drink these up but fun to try 4 Estates in one night. (94 pts.)
• 2011 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate – USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
  Glasvin Kane. Drink up. Still nice but a bit past peak. Sour cherry, menthol, spices, earth, cigar, black licorice and minerals. Medium finish. Nice wine overall from 11. (92 pts.)

• 2021 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate – USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
  Glasvin Kane. This was tied with the 04 as the best estate on this day. Nice fruit featuring blueberries, cherry, floral, spices, earth, Cassis, herbs and wood. Medium plus finish. Nice to see everyone except one with a normal, non AI note. 94.5 points (94 pts.)

• 2022 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate – USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
  This is really tight right now and not showing much. Tannic with cherry, wood, spices, floral and earth. This needs to be sampled after 2030. The 2022 Napa version is amazing right now. (90 pts.)