Reviews & Ratings

2023 Chateau Montelena Sauvignon Blanc "Napa Valley"

Winery: Chateau Montelena

Vintage: 2023

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Sauvignon Blanc

Grape blend: 86% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Semillon & 1% Sauvignon Gris

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $50

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 93 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: August 31, 2025

Wine Review: This clear and pale straw-colored Sauvignon Blanc from Chateau Montelena e opens with a white grapefruit and white peach bouquet with hints of ginger and chamomile tea. On the palate, this wine is light bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, fresh, and bright. The flavor profile is quince and green tea blend with notes of white peach and Anjou pear. I also detected hints of honeycomb and lemon verbena. The finish is dry, and its flavors and acidity linger and last for a while. I would pair this Sauvignon Blanc with Sole meunière. Enjoy – Ken & Dave

Winemaker Notes: In cool growing seasons, the aromatic diversity of Sauvignon Blanc is on full display. Fresh kiwi, honeydew and peach are both persistent and easily recognizable along with additional aromas of lime leaf and lemongrass. The 2023 is delicate and nuanced. The citrus is on full display, as grapefruit, orange zest and finally lemon balm; but there's also an enticing green apple note that dovetails into zesty, almost dusty minerality. Beyond that is a touch of toast and yeast character from barrel aging, which serve to enhance texture and mouthfeel subtly. The wine finishes with lemon zest, white pepper and fresh thyme. There's a suppleness again from time in barrel that lifts and extends the fruit seamlessly.

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