Potter Valley Riesling, Château Montelena

14 Months French and European oak, 11% new What a difference a year makes. Deciding not to harvest the 2018 Riesling due to smoke exposure in the vineyard was agonizing but it was the correct decision. For the first time since 1972, Chateau Montelena did not make Riesling, but the 2019 was well worth the wait. Not only is it delicious and certainly fills the void from the missed vintage, but the entire episode, capped with the comeback of an amazing wine, serves as yet another example of our unwavering commitment to integrity and honesty. e rhetoric of “high standards” and “no compromises” is bandied about, but the idea of crafting a wine contrary to our values wasn’t even considered. Welcome back Riesling. VINTAGE WEATHER e vineyard in Potter Valley tends to bud out slightly later than those here in Napa Valley. Consequently, the late spring rains galvanized the period of grand growth as summer began. e excess moisture put a premium on managing the vine canopy to encourage dappled sunlight for ripening and discourage any unsavory pests as fall approached. We decide to harvest primarily based on flavor and balance in the fruit, and this year that balance was achieved at slightly higher ripeness compared to previous vintages. e result is an opulent, voluptuous, but still fresh and dynamic wine.