Chateau Montelena Revisited!

The highlight of Spring break was my much-anticipated 2nd visit to Chateau Montelena with brother Nick and friends Pat, Daniella and Ryan for the "Bottle Shock and Chardonnay Experience" tour on March 20. It was outstanding, due in no small part to our host David Devan (center in 1st photo w/Pat and Nick) - their Retail Sales and Hospitality Supervisor. David was engaging, entertaining, and thoroughly knowledgeable. He told us the fascinating history of the Chateau - a story that spans 129 years: in 1882 Alfred Tubbs bought 254 acres of prime grape-growing land at the base of Mount Saint Helena. He planted his vineyards first, then built the Chateau; for the next 76 years (interrupted only by Prohibition), he and his family harvested the vineyard, made wine, and sold grapes to other winemakers. In 1958 the property was purchased by Yort and Jeanie Frank, who left their mark by excavating a Chinese-inspired lake and gardens - "Jade Lake" is today one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in Napa Valley. Jim Barrett, Chateau Montelena's third owner, is responsible for clearing and replanting the vineyard and outfitting the Chateau with modern wine-making equipment. He and his son Bo have been making award-winning wines since 1976 - their story (winning the historic 1976 Paris Wine Tasting) was the inspiration for the movie Bottle Shock.

Following our history "lesson" we watched a special feature on the movie, and then David poured the 2007 and 2008 Chardonnay wines for all to taste. Both were excellent - beautiful, straw-colored, fruit-forward (pear, apple) wines of good density. VERY drinkable! On a nice weather day, our tour would have continued with a walk outside around the lake and gardens, but I think we all agreed that the rainy day turned out to be a lucky break for us, as David decided to finish our tour with a private tasting of Chateau Montelena's red wines! What a treat. My current favorite, their 2008 Zinfandel, was poured, as well as their two Cabernet Sauvignons.

The 2007 Estate Cab is described by Robert Parker as "full-bodied and dense, with Montelena's typical power...this is a big, rich, formidably endowed red." I describe it as "to die for!" (Tasting notes: intense, deep crimson color; huge powerful nose; spice, cedar, earth - all over a rich base of ripe black cherry, black currant, cassis and blueberry jam; rich, round, juicy with a clean, crisp, spicy finish.) Nick was so taken with this wine that he joined the "Futures" wine club - "for those ready for a higher level of commitment"....he purchased wines that have yet to be released. Not a wealthy man, and not one to spend his hard-earned money foolishly, I would say

this is quite a testament to the quality of Chateau Montelena's wines, and I for one can't wait to taste these treasures in two years!

The tour ended with gifts (choice of a signed Bottle Shock DVD or split of their 2008 Chardonnay) and we hated to go home! Two hours of pure pleasure, and well worth our time and money. If you are a fan of Bottle Shock and/or REALLY GOOD wine, a visit to Chateau Montelena is a MUST. This particular tour is currently given only on Thursdays and Sundays ($25 per person) - and you need to make reservations. Make sure you ask for David Devan!!