2002 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
After a year of bottle age, the 2002 Chardonnay continues to reveal fresh apple blossom, white pear, and white peach notes in a medium-bodied, crisp style with good depth as well as refreshing acidity. Purity is a characteristic of these Chardonnays, and it is found in both the 2002 and 2003. Montelena has gotten away from their Calistoga cuvee, a blend of Cabernet, and now simply calls it Napa. They are trying to ratchet up the level of quality and are being more selective about the fruit that goes into this bottling. Tel. (707) 942-5105; Fax (707) 942-4221
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright aromas of spiced apple, pear, lime and mint; a bit cooler and livelier than the more tropical, caramelly 2001. Then juicy, firm-edged and penetrating, with a strongly mineral quality. Shows very good flavor development and intensity but is not yet pliant in the middle palate. Finishes with a juicy apple quality and very good length and cut. This will call for at least a year or two of additional aging when it's released in the fall.
About the producer
Chateau Montelena is a historic Napa Valley estate that rose to global fame after its 1973 Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Renowned for both its Chardonnay and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery continues to produce elegant, age-worthy wines with a legacy of excellence.