Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

Nose: The ripeness of the vintage is readily apparent as pineapple and stone fruit burst from the glass during the first pour. Fresh melon, along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and myriad baking spices follow suit as the wine begins to warm and its aromatic opulence comes into focus.

Palate: While the toasty barrel character sets the stage for richness and depth, take the time to enjoy the beautiful interplay between the crisp, fresh orange zest, and ginger notes and how they interact with the creaminess and texture from sur lees aging.

Finish: The texture of the midpalate seamlessly overlays the dense, concentrated finish, punctuated by baked apple, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper.