Chateau Montelena

Calistoga Zinfandel

9.025 ratings
9.23 pro ratings
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
Zinfandel
Lamb, Chicken, Turkey, White Rice, Pasta, Potato, Herbs, Mushrooms, Soft Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Tomato-Based, Duck, Exotic Spices, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Pork, Baking Spices, Pungent Cheese, Beef, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Tobin Trevarthen

Deep Ruby. Big bold berry. Prune. Syrupy texture. Lingering finish. Nice mid-palette.

Deep Ruby. Big bold berry. Prune. Syrupy texture. Lingering finish. Nice mid-palette.

Jan 6th, 2019
Jordan Wardlaw

This is certainly the most interesting Zinfandel I’ve tasted in quite some time, and also one of the best. Montelena sourced Irish oak from a certain distillery for some of the aging. I found this remarkably right bank Bordeaux like with ripe aromas of plums, blueberry pie, cassis, figs, chocolate, spice box and tobacco leaf. Very complex and aristocratic expression. Superb vintage!

This is certainly the most interesting Zinfandel I’ve tasted in quite some time, and also one of the best. Montelena sourced Irish oak from a certain distillery for some of the aging. I found this remarkably right bank Bordeaux like with ripe aromas of plums, blueberry pie, cassis, figs, chocolate, spice box and tobacco leaf. Very complex and aristocratic expression. Superb vintage!

1 person found it helpfulApr 19th, 2019
Mike Mighetto Hoefling

They used Irish Oak in this bottling.

They used Irish Oak in this bottling.

Apr 18th, 2017
Henry Fuseler

12/19. My first Zin from the Château Montelena. Good flavor and slight spice.

12/19. My first Zin from the Château Montelena. Good flavor and slight spice.

Dec 13th, 2019
Henry Fuseler

12/19. Nice Zin. Paired well with my flank steak.

12/19. Nice Zin. Paired well with my flank steak.

Dec 10th, 2019
Martin Sher

So very light for a California Zinfandel. The nose is deceiving but palate is varietally true except for the weight - fleet-footed mouthfeel like a Pinot noir.

So very light for a California Zinfandel. The nose is deceiving but palate is varietally true except for the weight - fleet-footed mouthfeel like a Pinot noir.

Sep 15th, 2019
Kaelig

On the nose primary aromas of banana.

On the nose primary aromas of banana.

Jun 7th, 2019
Ming L
9.3

Probably the best Zin I’ve had. Though not very complex, but it’s rich and deep yet manages to be light on its feet. Nose of prune, cranberry juice, ripe plum, cinnamon, dates, fermented tea leaf, syrup and hint of smoke. Dark chocolate and spices come on strong on the palate but balanced by a minty feel. Round and soft tannins. Super smooth and velvety.

16 months in combination of American, Irish, and French oak barrels, 20% new. For $30, it’s the best value out of the entire Montelena lineup IMHO.

Probably the best Zin I’ve had. Though not very complex, but it’s rich and deep yet manages to be light on its feet. Nose of prune, cranberry juice, ripe plum, cinnamon, dates, fermented tea leaf, syrup and hint of smoke. Dark chocolate and spices come on strong on the palate but balanced by a minty feel. Round and soft tannins. Super smooth and velvety.

16 months in combination of American, Irish, and French oak barrels, 20% new. For $30, it’s the best value out of the entire Montelena lineup IMHO.

Feb 6th, 2019
Jason McLaren

Light and weak with a funky undertone

Light and weak with a funky undertone

Dec 7th, 2018
Tim Casady

Pairs well with Jamie Oliver’s beef & ale stew!

Pairs well with Jamie Oliver’s beef & ale stew!

Oct 21st, 2018