Vintage 2021

Estate Zinfandel, Château Montelena

Product Code: ML0521RC

Tasting Notes

Aromas of raspberry, cedar, dried fruit and the classic Zinfandel briar-berry with hints of pipe tobacco and dusty cocoa. Very juicy on the palate, ripe and sweet with good length. Shows good weight and velvety tannins throughout – very fleshy without being overbearing. Brimming with fresh fruit, the aromas are dominated by ripe raspberry and cranberry, leaning southern Italian in style at first. However, after a few minutes, the Zinfandel component becomes more prominent and robust as blackberry jam, hoisin, and savory herbs appear, lending some allure as well as familiarity. It’s the nexus of these disparate, yet harmonious red and dark fruit characteristics that’s emblematic of Montelena wines and our Calistoga vineyard. PALATE e elegance of 2018 comes through immediately on the palate. Laserfocused acidity and strawberry slowly merge with sweet baking spices, dried cherry and earth. e tannins are soft enough to balance the acidity without overwhelming the steady stream of candied fruit. Mediumbodied, the weight of the wine adds depth without the need for extended aging. FINISH As the fruit subsides, the brambly nature of Zinfandel comes to the forefront; first as mint and then as black pepper and tea. e tannins here are more chalky, almost chewy, and complement the subtle notes of smoke and pipe tobacco exceedingly well.

Profile

Zinfandel
14
UNITED STATES
12
Cork
Chateau Montelena
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            [Notes1] => Aromas of raspberry, cedar, dried fruit and the classic Zinfandel briar-berry with hints of pipe tobacco and dusty cocoa.  Very juicy on the palate, ripe and sweet with good length.  Shows good weight and velvety tannins throughout – very fleshy without being overbearing.

Brimming with fresh fruit, the aromas
are dominated by ripe raspberry 
and cranberry, leaning southern 
Italian in style at first. However, 
after a few minutes, the Zinfandel 
component becomes more prominent
and robust as blackberry jam, hoisin,
and savory herbs appear, lending 
some allure as well as familiarity.
It’s the nexus of these disparate,
yet harmonious red and dark fruit 
characteristics that’s emblematic
of Montelena wines and our 
Calistoga vineyard.
PALATE
e elegance of 2018 comes through
immediately on the palate. Laserfocused acidity and strawberry slowly
merge with sweet baking spices, 
dried cherry and earth. e tannins
are soft enough to balance the acidity
without overwhelming the steady 
stream of candied fruit. Mediumbodied, the weight of the wine 
adds depth without the need for 
extended aging. 
FINISH
As the fruit subsides, the brambly 
nature of Zinfandel comes to the 
forefront; first as mint and then as 
black pepper and tea. e tannins 
here are more chalky, almost 
chewy, and complement the subtle 
notes of smoke and pipe tobacco 
exceedingly well.
            [Notes2] => This historic 100 hectare property 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. Extending out from the Napa River is the alluvial soil, the most prevalent type on the property. In the back and outside areas of the vineyard are volcanic soils, formed by ancient lava flows caused by tectonic uplifting. Sustainable farming is practised  avoiding the use of any chemical fertilisers. Instead organic chicken manure and compost made with the previous season`s pomace - seeds, stems and grape skins left after crushing is used. Ladybirds are used to combat unwanted pests, and light ploughing is done to keep the vineyard clean and free from weeds. Harvesting is carried out at night to preserve the fruit.
            [Notes3] => 
            [Notes4] => Aromas of raspberry, cedar, dried fruit and the classic Zinfandel briar-berry with hints of pipe tobacco and dusty cocoa.  Very juicy on the palate, ripe and sweet with good length.  Shows good weight and velvety tannins throughout ‰ÛÒ very fleshy without being overbearing.
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            [WineMakingNotes] => 14 Months French and European oak, 11% new

e cyclical nature of viticulture invites us to experience and celebrate renewal each growing year. Tender, new growth
on the vines arrives with a sense of optimism, ushering in spring, and enticing the beholder to both appreciate and 
live in the moment. e iridescent green, yellow, and slightly pink buds burst from dormancy, in stark contrast to 
the weathered bark surrounding them. It’s quite a sight that is both familiar and at the same time, novel. at puzzle
is fitting as the 2018 vintage marks a return to our Estate Zinfandel, the first since 2012. Some of the vines are new,
but the profile is recognizable and classic. After five years of replanting our Estate Vineyard, this wine makes its 
triumphant return, something we can all celebrate.
VINTAGE WEATHER
e Primitivo component of this blend tends to show best in moderately warm years and 2018 certainly qualifies. 
Ample sunshine and plenty of heat throughout the summer months favored uniform ripening and a purity of flavor.
at consistency carried into harvest, allowing for small, targeted picks across vineyard blocks, capturing the complexity
and elegance of this vintage.
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                    [Notes1] => 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.
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                    [Notes4] => One of the world`s finest estates, chateau montelena produced the winning white wine in the infamous ‘judgement of paris` tasting of 1976. now known as much for reds as for their whites, montelena is undoubtedly one of napa valley`s finest ambassadors and one of the world’s great producers.  “no other winery i know of has such an unbroken track record for making world class wines year after year.” – robert parker
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                    [Notes1] => 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.
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                    [Notes1] => 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.
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                    [Notes1] => 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.
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                    [Notes4] => One of the world`s finest estates, chateau montelena produced the winning white wine in the infamous ‘judgement of paris` tasting of 1976. now known as much for reds as for their whites, montelena is undoubtedly one of napa valley`s finest ambassadors and one of the world’s great producers.  “no other winery i know of has such an unbroken track record for making world class wines year after year.” – robert parker
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About this product +

Viticulture >

This historic 100 hectare property 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. Extending out from the Napa River is the alluvial soil, the most prevalent type on the property. In the back and outside areas of the vineyard are volcanic soils, formed by ancient lava flows caused by tectonic uplifting. Sustainable farming is practised avoiding the use of any chemical fertilisers. Instead organic chicken manure and compost made with the previous season`s pomace - seeds, stems and grape skins left after crushing is used. Ladybirds are used to combat unwanted pests, and light ploughing is done to keep the vineyard clean and free from weeds. Harvesting is carried out at night to preserve the fruit.

Winemaking >

14 Months French and European oak, 11% new e cyclical nature of viticulture invites us to experience and celebrate renewal each growing year. Tender, new growth on the vines arrives with a sense of optimism, ushering in spring, and enticing the beholder to both appreciate and live in the moment. e iridescent green, yellow, and slightly pink buds burst from dormancy, in stark contrast to the weathered bark surrounding them. It’s quite a sight that is both familiar and at the same time, novel. at puzzle is fitting as the 2018 vintage marks a return to our Estate Zinfandel, the first since 2012. Some of the vines are new, but the profile is recognizable and classic. After five years of replanting our Estate Vineyard, this wine makes its triumphant return, something we can all celebrate. VINTAGE WEATHER e Primitivo component of this blend tends to show best in moderately warm years and 2018 certainly qualifies. Ample sunshine and plenty of heat throughout the summer months favored uniform ripening and a purity of flavor. at consistency carried into harvest, allowing for small, targeted picks across vineyard blocks, capturing the complexity and elegance of this vintage.

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