Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Chateau Montelena — Chardonnay 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Released as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, this vintage continues the legacy that forever changed the perception of California wine. Crafted in Montelena’s unmistakable style, it favors precision, freshness, and restraint over richness, proving Napa Chardonnay can be both powerful and elegant.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon curd, baked pear, crisp apple, citrus blossom, and subtle white peach are beautifully intertwined with delicate hints of wet stone, light vanilla, and restrained oak.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and exceptional balance. Rich enough to satisfy yet remarkably focused, the palate delivers silky texture, impressive tension, and a long, refined finish that never feels heavy.

Food Pairings
Lobster, scallops, roasted chicken, creamy risotto, grilled halibut, or triple-cream Brie.

Verdict
A benchmark New World Chardonnay that continues to set the standard nearly five decades after its historic triumph. Complex, poised, and beautifully balanced, it is a wine that appeals equally to classic California Chardonnay lovers and those who typically favor more restrained Old World expressions.

Did You Know?
The 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the white wine category at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, defeating France’s finest Burgundies in a blind tasting and forever changing the reputation of California wine on the world stage. The 2023 vintage celebrates the 50th anniversary of that landmark event.

🍷 Personal Pick
I’m generally selective with Napa Chardonnay, often preferring leaner, mineral-driven styles. Chateau Montelena remains one of my rare exceptions. It captures the generosity of Napa’s sunshine while preserving freshness, finesse, and impeccable balance. This is a permanent fixture in my cellar and one of the few New World Chardonnays I’d confidently pour for someone who believes they don’t enjoy Napa Chardonnay. — 20 hours ago

John Malcolm

9.8

Fabulous. Paired with lobster. Fresh and refreshing. Right up there with Cristal and Pol Roger Winston Churchill as my favorite champagne. — 3 years ago

Kayla Krammes

9.4

great wine!!! love new zealand wines — 6 years ago

Michael Greene

9.2

Honey and pineapple. Everything in balance. Oak completely integrated. Amazing depth for Bourgogne and perfect with grilled lobster. — 7 years ago

Lisa McKinnon

8.9

Crisp but not too citrusy, some vanilla (or fig?). Nicely paired with lobster chowder. — 8 years ago

Andy Tam

9.0

Very elegant and refreshing dry with flurry of bubbles — 8 years ago

Kris Kow

9.6

Semi dry, full body, low acidity, nice finish on the palette, faint hint of fruit, especially grape. Pairs well with a summer steak salad. Light citrus. — 2 months ago

with Scott

Billy L.

9.4

Christmas Dinner Champagne pairing with Maine Lobster 🦞 Tail. 🍾🥂👍🏻👏🏻 — 7 months ago

Peter Coulthard

9.1

Smoking Lobster. Enjoyable with fish. — a year ago

Andy@andyberke.com

9.0

A little sweetness. Good balance — 6 years ago

Anjanette Pelletier

9.2

Lovely and crisp. Fruity and slightly sweet. Great with lobster and corn. Beautiful color. — 6 years ago

with Myke

Leo Druken

9.1

Great with lobster! — 7 years ago

Helen O

8.9

A. 2012 vintage. June 2018. It was very good but not what I wanted with my lobster — 8 years ago

Tegan Marriott

8.9

Uchi sushi in Austin TX! Enjoyed the pairings from the dayboat scallop starter,lobster coconut curry negi dare, cashew,bluefin,unagi,& even went with our seasonal sundae! — 4 months ago

Phuc-Tue Le Dinh

9.0

Perfect complement to lobster pasta — a year ago

larry osborne

9.0

Very good wine which our waiter who remembered us from a month ago recommend. Perfect with lobster.
Food day at North End ..Paul Reviers house..Prudential And Bel in Hand — 5 years ago

Chris Gillis

9.0

Easy drinking white — 6 years ago

Calvin Liang

9.4

Lovely white wine. Floral, mildly fruity and oaky. Lots of candied citrus notes along with many complex aromas of candied ginger, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and jasmine. Very smooth with a honey-like finish. Paired very well with the crabcakes and lobster raviolis I had for dinner. — 7 years ago

Oliver Alexander

9.0

Excellent drinking with lobster. — 8 years ago

Michael Meyer

9.4

Ethereal and rich. Rockin’ pairing with seared scallops and lobster bisque! — 8 years ago