San Francisco Bay fruit, so this seems to be a rather cool microclimate for this grape. I think this one is a little past prime. Still had some black cherry and dried herb notes. A little bit of pipe tobacco. Finish line of has a vegetal character that was a little bit off putting. But a little bit impressed at the longevity. This basically makes me afraid to open up the 75 Montelena Zin as I have a feeling it might be nothing more than mushroom and rotted fruit.... — 3 years ago
Absolutely fantastic alternative to Chateau Montelena. Great Central Coast Chablis-style Chard — 4 years ago
Sangita's moms birthday — 15 days ago
This is what cab is all about. I feel grateful when I have the opportunity to try California Cabernets from the 70s. This from a 3L - pulled from the Montelena library. Gorgeous fruit with healthy development but given the bottle and impeccable cellaring I think this is only middle aged at this point. — 3 years ago
Pristine cork, decanted for 5 hours: still balanced, complex, and harmonious as a 20 year old in a challenging vintage. Fruit still lively, with mellow tannins—this still has a few years left. Came out best for me in an evening of great old wines: ‘98 Corison, ‘98 Montelena Estate, plus de la Tour ‘99. Never underestimate the consistency of a great estate, year after year. Glad I have another bottle or two. — 4 years ago
Amazing! Great Chardonnay that pairs well with fish pork or anything light to medium in flavor. Light oak but still lots of character. — 4 years ago
Enjoyed trying this after the ‘91 Montelena. Similarities and differences. Picked up signature American oak here with notes of herbs and dill, but not as much of the coconut smell I normally get (maybe that fades with age?). Focused. Leather, baked black cherry pie, muddled rhubarb, bayleaf. Soft and round with very nice depth. Lingering finish. I thought this outdid the ‘85 it was next to quite easily (though that bottle may have been flawed). — 3 years ago
Saw an ‘06 on a wine list and grabbed this 12 year-old beauty. Mike Grgich 1st gained international recognition at the celebrated "Paris Tasting" of '76 where a panel of eminent French judges were shocked they chose Mike’s '73 Montelena Chard as the finest white wine in the world! Elegant, rich berry fruit aromas, licorice notes. On the palate blackberry & cherry, bits of cacao and cinnamon, soft fine tannins. Lingering finish ending with soft oaky notes. Opened quickly and drank beautifully. — 4 years ago
Deborah M
Good but didn’t compare to the the others opened during the night. Napa Cab bones, with some fruit still showing — 12 hours ago