Chateau Montelena is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic estates, famously catapulted to international acclaim after its Chardonnay triumphed at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Located at the base of Mount Saint Helena in Calistoga, the estate benefits from a unique combination of volcanic soils, cool mountain air, and a long growing season, which together contribute to wines of remarkable depth and finesse.
The 2021 Estate Zinfandel from Chateau Montelena is a masterclass in balance, showcasing the winery’s signature restraint and the varietal’s expressive character. In the glass, the wine opens with an aromatic medley of ripe blackberries, raspberry compote, and wild plum, underscored by hints of cracked pepper, sweet tobacco, and baking spices. The palate is vibrant and layered, offering bursts of red currant and brambly fruit framed by silky tannins and a bright acidity that lends freshness and lift. Notes of cedar, cocoa, and earthy minerality emerge on the long, seamless finish, reflecting the complexity of Montelena’s Calistoga terroir.
This is top-tier Zinfandel.