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. — 5 hours ago

Ming L

9.3

Aromas of ripe apricot, honeyed peach, and white flowers are layered with subtle hints of hazelnut, spice, and subtle tropical fruits. The palate is lush and rich yet never feels weighty, and offering stone fruit, candied citrus, and a touch of minerality. The long, harmonious finish leaves notes of almond and soft honeysuckles lingering delicately. A mature, refined Condrieu at its expressive peak. — 4 months ago

John Willison

9.3

From Magnum. Peach, dried berries, brioche. — 6 months ago

John Willison

9.1

White peach, tangerine, citrus acidity. Always good. — 10 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Very much a dry German Riesling at 13% ABV. Arguably opened too early - guided by a window from Jancis. Her colleague, Julia Harding (through to 2030) was more accurate. Yellow orchard fruit aromas; under ripe peach on the palate-some spice and mineral - still carrying quite some acid. The palate is delicate and balanced. A pleasure to drink now with that GG quality coming through. I would’ve liked to try another bottle in 4 to 5 years. — a year ago

Ellen Clifford

9.1

As goth in residence I should alert you that aside from inevitable pheromones it is intellectual wine acumen that revs my motor. Ipso facto if brains turn you on, this Bandol will seduce you with its thoughtful rigor—it has its balance and complexity fine-tuned. Then pure sensual attributes (silky rhubarb/peach Melba joy/is that a bay leaf? And omg perhaps even a hint of allspice) are all guest speakers at the symposium. This wine has deep thoughts but is perky-goth enough to dance til at least 3am. Daylight may be too much though. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

My last bottle of 2013 Art Series Chardonnay. This remains one of the top Chardonnays in Australia together with Giaconda and Bindi Quartz Block for mine. As per previous note aromatics of white peach and cashew together with mealy notes. Not as full bodied as other Art Series but certainly doing well at 13 years of age. I often identify a dried pear character and this has hints of that. 98 points from James Halliday. — a month ago

Joshua Figg

9.0

Aromas of apple, pear, mango, and peach. Soft and round on the palate with a hint of dry tartness in the finish. Very easy drinker. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Founded in 1982 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer and sits on a tree covered knoll overlooking the Napa Valley, with caves that extend for over a mile. Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and tropical fruit, sweet oak, spice and floral scents. On the palate flavors of ripe peach, melon and apple, with vanilla spice, creamy texture. Medium+ finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with mineral notes. — 5 months ago

Charlie Tapp

9.6

Apricot, white peach and orange blossom. Incredibly light on its feet considering the age. — 7 months ago

Angelo Casagrande

9.1

Floral, rather oily texture that explodes with peach, a saline/ citrus, honey and flowers. Quite a spicy element to this as well. For @ $ 20, this is excellent. — 10 months ago

Manolya Altan

9.1

I could drink this shit forever, it has a sexy marriage of minerality and acidity. I’m getting green apple, white peach, some lime. Also the suggestion of pizza dough and something savory like mushroom (just me???) — 3 years ago

Pamela Taylor

9.3

Lemon curd and Meyer lemon on the nose, goes down ever so smoothly with peach and floral notes on the palate. Beautiful and clean with bright acidity! — 5 years ago

Ming L

9.4

The nose bursts with ripe yellow peach, mandarin, and dried pineapple, layered with brioche and a hint of white flowers. The palate is plush yet electric, with creamy texture quickly cut by vibrant lemon zest and a light salinity. The finish is precise and long. — a month ago

Lisa T Kanen

9.4

Crisp, peach and pineapple with a creamy finish. — 2 months ago

with Connor

KRISTIE

8.9

Our distinctive white blend marries the crisp honeyed citrus fruit of Chenin Blanc (80%) with the plush body, soft floral and juicy peach notes of Voignier (20%) for a lush, versatile and delicious wine. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Château Suduiraut, 2023, Sauternes BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Premier Cru Classé Sauternes delivering pure botrytis luxury blend of 80% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Sauvignon Gris with remarkable tension and precision. Lush honeyed richness balanced by vibrant acidity and a beautifully layered texture that feels both decadent and weightless. Sensual, polished, and deeply expressive, this is a dessert wine that seduces rather than overwhelms.

Aromas & Flavors
Orange blossom, acacia honey, apricot confit, ripe peach, saffron, candied citrus peel, subtle vanilla bean, almond paste, and a whisper of ginger spice. Floral lift intertwines with botrytis-driven sweetness and fresh citrus brightness.

Mouthfeel
Silky, viscous, and coating without heaviness. Glycerol richness glides across the palate while acidity keeps the wine lifted, focused, and endlessly drinkable. Long, luxurious, and caressing finish.

Food Pairings
Foie gras torchon, blue cheese (Roquefort or Stilton), apricot tart, almond pastries, honey-drizzled chèvre, citrus-based desserts, or simply enjoyed solo as a contemplative finale.

Verdict
Sublime, sexy, and impeccably balanced. A masterclass in tension between sweetness and freshness, delivering pleasure, elegance, and emotional impact in equal measure. A benchmark nightcap wine.

Did You Know?
Château Suduiraut sits adjacent to Château d’Yquem and shares similar gravelly terroir and noble rot influence, often delivering First Growth-level finesse at a more approachable price point.

🍯 Personal Pick
This wine feels like a French kiss, seductive tension, velvet weight, and honeyed decadence wrapped in electric freshness. The viscosity caresses the palate while the acidity keeps everything irresistibly alive. — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Pale straw color with green edges and aromas of citrus and tropical fruits adding floral herb notes. On the palate apricot, peach and pineapple with lemon zest, classic New Zealand SB. Lively acidity and spice complement this wine, well balanced ending on medium finish. — 10 months ago

Jeff Miller

9.1

Crisp and fruity Sauvignon Blanc. Has a lot more power than most SV’s from NZ. Decadent notes of lime, grapefruit and white peach balanced with sharp acidity and saline notes. Delicious. Pair with food for sure. — 4 years ago

Sue Shay

9.2

Enjoyed this over the course of several days starting Christmas evening. Just beautiful...the ripest Red Haven Peach followed by creme brûlée. Long seductive finish. Left me wanting more. — 6 years ago