Chateau Montelena
Calistoga Zinfandel
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
Deep Ruby. Big bold berry. Prune. Syrupy texture. Lingering finish. Nice mid-palette.
Deep Ruby. Big bold berry. Prune. Syrupy texture. Lingering finish. Nice mid-palette.
Jan 6th, 2019
This is certainly the most interesting Zinfandel I’ve tasted in quite some time, and also one of the best. Montelena sourced Irish oak from a certain distillery for some of the aging. I found this remarkably right bank Bordeaux like with ripe aromas of plums, blueberry pie, cassis, figs, chocolate, spice box and tobacco leaf. Very complex and aristocratic expression. Superb vintage!
This is certainly the most interesting Zinfandel I’ve tasted in quite some time, and also one of the best. Montelena sourced Irish oak from a certain distillery for some of the aging. I found this remarkably right bank Bordeaux like with ripe aromas of plums, blueberry pie, cassis, figs, chocolate, spice box and tobacco leaf. Very complex and aristocratic expression. Superb vintage!
1 person found it helpfulApr 19th, 2019
They used Irish Oak in this bottling.
They used Irish Oak in this bottling.
Apr 18th, 201712/19. My first Zin from the Château Montelena. Good flavor and slight spice.
12/19. My first Zin from the Château Montelena. Good flavor and slight spice.
Dec 13th, 201912/19. Nice Zin. Paired well with my flank steak.
12/19. Nice Zin. Paired well with my flank steak.
Dec 10th, 2019
So very light for a California Zinfandel. The nose is deceiving but palate is varietally true except for the weight - fleet-footed mouthfeel like a Pinot noir.
So very light for a California Zinfandel. The nose is deceiving but palate is varietally true except for the weight - fleet-footed mouthfeel like a Pinot noir.
Sep 15th, 2019
Probably the best Zin I’ve had. Though not very complex, but it’s rich and deep yet manages to be light on its feet. Nose of prune, cranberry juice, ripe plum, cinnamon, dates, fermented tea leaf, syrup and hint of smoke. Dark chocolate and spices come on strong on the palate but balanced by a minty feel. Round and soft tannins. Super smooth and velvety.
16 months in combination of American, Irish, and French oak barrels, 20% new. For $30, it’s the best value out of the entire Montelena lineup IMHO.
Probably the best Zin I’ve had. Though not very complex, but it’s rich and deep yet manages to be light on its feet. Nose of prune, cranberry juice, ripe plum, cinnamon, dates, fermented tea leaf, syrup and hint of smoke. Dark chocolate and spices come on strong on the palate but balanced by a minty feel. Round and soft tannins. Super smooth and velvety.
16 months in combination of American, Irish, and French oak barrels, 20% new. For $30, it’s the best value out of the entire Montelena lineup IMHO.
Light and weak with a funky undertone
Light and weak with a funky undertone
Dec 7th, 2018
Pairs well with Jamie Oliver’s beef & ale stew!
Pairs well with Jamie Oliver’s beef & ale stew!
Oct 21st, 2018