The 1973 Chardonnay fromChateau Montelena put this winery on the map. In 1976 Steven Spurrier presented some of the top white and red wines in the world to the top wine influencers during the Judgment of Paris. During this tasting Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay topped wines from some of the top appellations in Burgundy. The movie “Bottle Shock” does a great job does a great job in presenting this story and is a great watch even if you’re not that into wine.

This Chateau is downright gorgeous, tucked back in the trees on a hill in Calistoga off of Tubbs Ln. This ivy covered Chateau looks like something straight out of France, sitting on immaculate grounds including its on Lake with two islands supporting tasting areas. While at Chateau Montelena we participated in the seated tasting which took place in a private room along with one other couple and our own personal host. He was very accommodating to our requests and answered all our questions.

Our tasting included a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the Petite Sirah. The wines were very good but the standout here was the Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of blackberry, plum, dark fruit, cherry, and subtle integrated hints of vanilla and tobacco.

The full tasting menu was as follows; Sauvignon Blanc served with a miso shrimp cocktail, Chardonnay served with a house special empanada, Pinot Noir served with pork bellow lettuce wraps and Cabernet Sauvignon served with blue cheese crumble biscuit.