Tasted from a well-cellared bottle that was popped and poured, this straw-colored Chardonnay exemplifies the Montelena style. By virtue of not allowing malolactic fermentation, Montelena's Chardonnays deliver a nice degree of freshness that give the wines lift from start to finish. The 2018 version is no exception. On the nose, it offers an intense aromatic profile of pit fruits, green apples, Bosq pears, wet stones and jasmine. The flavors mirror the nose, adding notes of citrus and allspice. The wine's oak and alcohol (13.9%) are well-woven and the mid-palate is nicely dense. Finishing with good length and energy, this is another terrific vintage of Montelena Chardonnay that should be at its best over the next five years. Drink now-2028.
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This Chardonnay had a medium plus acidity with tart fruity flavors. Not quite as acidic and tart as a Sauvignon Blanc, but more in that range than your typical Chardonnay.
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Always a pleasure to drink such an iconic wine and story. It never disappoints either bright tropical, citrus and slight oak. No MF so no butter bomb Cali chard. This is good now but in 5 years or so will be great
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Agree with other recent notes that this is starting to drink really nicely. Green apple in the nose along with . . . sandalwood? Has weight in the mouth. Complex and balanced, nice long finish.
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7/6/2023 - La Cave d'Argent Likes this wine: 93 Points
Tasted from a well-cellared bottle that was popped and poured, this straw-colored Chardonnay exemplifies the Montelena style. By virtue of not allowing malolactic fermentation, Montelena's Chardonnays deliver a nice degree of freshness that give the wines lift from start to finish. The 2018 version is no exception. On the nose, it offers an intense aromatic profile of pit fruits, green apples, Bosq pears, wet stones and jasmine. The flavors mirror the nose, adding notes of citrus and allspice. The wine's oak and alcohol (13.9%) are well-woven and the mid-palate is nicely dense. Finishing with good length and energy, this is another terrific vintage of Montelena Chardonnay that should be at its best over the next five years. Drink now-2028.
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6/6/2023 - RichC82 Likes this wine: 81 Points
This Chardonnay had a medium plus acidity with tart fruity flavors. Not quite as acidic and tart as a Sauvignon Blanc, but more in that range than your typical Chardonnay.
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3/4/2023 - Bbrown82 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Always a pleasure to drink such an iconic wine and story. It never disappoints either bright tropical, citrus and slight oak. No MF so no butter bomb Cali chard. This is good now but in 5 years or so will be great
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1/15/2023 - Dave Dewar wrote:
P&P. Medium-dark gold. Intense aromas of burnt butter, ripe tropical fruit, honeysuckle, oak. Replays on palate plus a sweet apple. M-F body, M+ acid, XD, well-integrated 14.4% ABV. Long finish. Round, smooth, delicious. Excellent. With Rob Dykstra.
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12/18/2022 - KimandScott Likes this wine: 92 Points
Agree with other recent notes that this is starting to drink really nicely. Green apple in the nose along with . . . sandalwood? Has weight in the mouth. Complex and balanced, nice long finish.
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