​Chateau Montelena 

Chateau Montelena’s history is one of the deepest and most storied in the Napa Valley and California. Founded just north of Calistoga by a senator and San Francisco entrepreneur in 1882 at the turn of the century, it was one of the largest wineries in the state. Prohibition put an end to Montelena’s winemaking, and the next major era began in 1968, when Jim Barrett purchased the estate. He had a dream of creating wine at the level of the great First Growths of Bordeaux, and set about replanting the vineyard, outfitting the winery with modern equipment, and studying the processes necessary for farming and winemaking at the highest quality level.

In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world. That year a who’s-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered for a grand tasting at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Paris. Four white Burgundies were tasted against six California Chardonnays. When the scores were tallied, the French Judges were convinced that the top-ranking white wine was one of their own. In fact, it was Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay, rated above all other wines. This seminal event has been memorialized in the book "The Judgment of Paris," by George Taber, as well as in the 2008 feature film Bottle Shock.

Today Chateau Montelena’s distinct 19th century stone structure stands as a quality icon in Napa Valley, consistently producing some of the finest wines in California. Master Winemaker Bo Barrett, Jim’s son, now runs the estate with the help of Winemaker Matt Crafton and Vineyard Manager Dave Vella.

2018 Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 

*Available in Sponsorship and VIP Packages Only*

Incredibly floral and opulent, the red berry character of this vintage, mostly Bing cherry and raspberry at this stage, is buttressed by rich notes of cocoa, hazelnut, and Earl Grey. Black pepper and cedar complement this freshness exquisitely. Dense but light on its feet, the contrast of velvety tannins and bright acid bookend a youthful and vibrant palate, chock full of blackberry sorbet, plum sauce, and strawberry jam. Fresh fig and marzipan lend richness and texture while stitching these disparate forces into a cohesive yet lively experience. Baking spices abound on the finish along with coffee bean, star anise, and an almost caramel- like sweetness that dovetails beautifully with fresh blueberry and cinnamon.

 2018 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay

Golden straw-colored in the glass, the wine opens with cinnamon and ripe peach, bolstered by aromas of melon, fig, and pear. More fruity than floral upon release, there’s nonetheless plenty of honeysuckle and spice, softening to green apple and vanilla. Initially fused with lemon curd and ripe orange, there’s dynamic tension transitioning to the midpalate between the suppleness of summer stonefruit and the austere acid beneath. The citrus lingers as well, amidst a billowy texture that bolsters the bare minerality, contrasted only by the whisper-soft hint of fresh baked bread. Bright and fresh, ripe apricot along with orange marmalade lend a slight sweetness peppered by toasted almond and clove. 

 2017 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon

Cocoa, raspberry jam, and dried fig highlight a bright, fresh nose that quickly settles into a steady parade of baking spices, black pepper, and earth. The palate is deceptively soft initially, the wine builds with its viscosity and concentration amidst layers of ripe plum, very fine tannins, and espresso bean. A lively ginger note adds a touch of spice, bolstered by dried cherry, tobacco, and fresh bright cranberries. The finish is laser-focused, mineral-driven and persistent, not unexpected in young Cabernet. Delicious now, it will add breadth and polish with time in glass. 

 Included in The Grand Cru Sponsorship Package:

-Private Curated Taste of History Experience for Two. This is the most elevated tasting at Chateau Montelena, and is a two hour seated experience. This tasting features older vintages of the flagship wines, the Chardonnay and the Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon in vintages not normally tasted or sold to the public. There is also a cheese and charcuterie plate and Flourish Truffle chocolate included.  

-1 Year Membership to Chateau Montelena's Friends of Montelena Wine Club 2021. Includes 10 bottles of wine shipped within thecalendar year.  Spring shipment will include 2 bottles semi-dry Riesling, 2 bottles Sauvignon Blanc, 2 bottles Zinfandel.  Fall shipment will include 2 bottles of Chardonnay, 2 bottles of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.  Also included is: 2 complimentary standard tastings per visit at either tasting room location, complimentary picnic access on Montelena Estate on Jade Lake, access to exclusive vintages and selections, 1 complimentary elevated seated tasting. 

Included in The Reserve Sponsorship Package:

-1 Year Membership to Chateau Montelena's Friends of Montelena Wine Club 2021. Includes 10 bottles of wine shipped within thecalendar year.  Spring shipment will include 2 bottles semi-dry Riesling, 2 bottles Sauvignon Blanc, 2 bottles Zinfandel.  Fall shipment will include 2 bottles of Chardonnay, 2 bottles of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.  Also included is: 2 complimentary standard tastings per visit at either tasting room location, complimentary picnic access on Montelena Estate on Jade Lake, access to exclusive vintages and selections, 1 complimentary elevated seated tasting. 

Included in The Estate Sponsorship Package:

-The Library Tasting is a 1-hour seated experience that will feature older vintages and selections that highlight the age-ability of theChateau Montelena wines with this unique and extraordinary tasting opportunity.  Chateau Montelena's long and distinguished history of producing fine wines are showcased along with their rich 137 year history.  You will have the opportunity to enjoy and purchase wines not commonly available in the marketplace.