Chateau Montelena 2005 Chardonnay, California, Napa Valley
One of the few California Chardonnays that behaves like a grand cru Chablis is Chateau Montelena’s non-malolactic Chardonnay Napa, which rarely sees more than 10-20% new oak. As usual, the 2005 exhibits a nervous edge as well as loads of lemon butter, green apple, and white currant-like characteristics, laser-like precision, superb acidity, and surprising intensity as well as richness. Readers who prefer less oak in their Chardonnays should give this zesty, light, boldly-flavored example a look. |
