Rating 95 2023 Top 50  
Style Red
Variety
Vintage 2019
Appellation
Napa County
North Coast
California
USA
ABV 14.3%
Price $45.00  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker
Reviewed By
Review Updated 2023-11-17

Perfect For

Dinner Parties, Drinking Outside the Lines, Steak Dinner

Drink If You Like

Cabernet Franc, Merlot , Zinfandel

Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel 2019 Review

Chateau Montelena is famous in American wine history. It was one of the few wineries from the U.S. to be included in the Judgement of Paris, and its Chardonnay took home the famous 1976 tasting's top prize. But the winery makes more than just Chardonnay. The estate also makes wine from the Zinfandel grape; a variety that was ubiquitous in California before Cab was king. And this is one of the most balanced and beautiful examples in all of Napa Valley. The nose is slightly spiced with calm and balanced notes of black and blueberry fruit. It’s so very welcoming. The mouthfeel is a triumph of the variety’s ability to show restraint and texture. There's a medium fruit depth and amazing natural acidity, giving the palate great balance. A defining American Zinfandel.

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95
POINTS
Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel 2019
Chateau Montelena is famous in American wine history. It was one of the few wineries from the U.S. to be included in the Judgement of Paris, and its Chardonnay took home the famous 1976 tasting's top prize. But the winery makes more than just Chardonnay. The estate also makes wine from the Zinfandel grape; a variety that was ubiquitous in California before Cab was king. And this is one of the most balanced and beautiful examples in all of Napa Valley. The nose is slightly spiced with calm and balanced notes of black and blueberry fruit. It’s so very welcoming. The mouthfeel is a triumph of the variety’s ability to show restraint and texture. There's a medium fruit depth and amazing natural acidity, giving the palate great balance. A defining American Zinfandel.

Reviewed On: 11-13-2023
95
POINTS
Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel 2019
Chateau Montelena is famous in American wine history. It was one of the few wineries from the U.S. to be included in the Judgement of Paris, and its Chardonnay took home the famous 1976 tasting's top prize. But the winery makes more than just Chardonnay. The estate also makes wine from the Zinfandel grape; a variety that was ubiquitous in California before Cab was king. And this is one of the most balanced and beautiful examples in all of Napa Valley. The nose is slightly spiced with calm and balanced notes of black and blueberry fruit. It’s so very welcoming. The mouthfeel is a triumph of the variety’s ability to show restraint and texture. There's a medium fruit depth and amazing natural acidity, giving the palate great balance. A defining American Zinfandel.

Reviewed On: 11-13-2023