Producer >
In 1972 Jim Barrett, son of a Waterford immigrant, purchased the
historic 100 hectare property which lies 3.5 kilometres north of
Calistoga, at the base of Mount St. Helena. The region lies on a
complex terroir with a mixture of alluvial and volcanic soils, some on the flat, some on steeply sided hillsides and in 2010 was given its own AVA (American Viticultural Area) as a recognition of its uniqueness. Under Jim Barrett’s guidance the château’s vineyards were replanted and a modern winery was installed and in 1976 his vision was rewarded by winning the famous ‘Judgement of Paris’ when his Chardonnay beat 4 white Burgundies and five other Californian Chardonnays in a blind tasting that rocked the wine world. Today, Jim’s son, Bo, is at the helm and he has continued the tradition of making elegantly styled wines, both white and red.
Viticulture >
Every once in a while, nature serves up the proverbial “pitch down the middle.” Everyone remembers fondly the
wines from 2005 or 2013 when quality was simply there for the taking. ˜at was the case with 2019. Amusingly,
as a winemaker, our favorite vintages are typically those that follow a Hollywood-esque storyline with unforeseen
challenges, plenty of character development, and of course final victory. With that said, it is just as gratifying to hit
that pitch out of the park if the opportunity is there. Moreover, while it’s true that every vintage builds character,
growing seasons like 2019 beget gratefulness and reflection in reminding us why Napa Valley in general and the
Montelena Estate vineyard in particular are so special. In short, this vintage exemplifies all of the characteristics
that one could seek in delicious, age-worthy wine.
VINTAGE WEATHER
˜e growing season began cold and wet, typically the harbinger of a late vintage. However, by mid-summer, abundant
warm weather had settled in, resulting in very “normal” timing for harvest. Given the plentiful yields, it wasn’t
a surprise to experience a divergence in ripening across di˝erent soils and clones. ˜at’s to be expected and can be
quite beneficial when handled correctly. ˜ankfully, the weather during September cooperated and despite a few
periods when patience was necessary, harvest proceeded smoothly and successfully.
Winemaking >
16 months in French and Eastern
European oak, 28% new
Cabernet Sauvignon
13.8
UNITED STATES
12
Cork
Chateau Montelena
Vegan
Vegetarian 
Fact Sheet