I’ve watched the movie, Bottle Shock, several times, but it never occurred to me until now to actually try the Chardonnay featured in the film. I was able to get a 2019 vintage of the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, and I am so glad that I did. I know it’s not the same as the 1973 bottle, but it is now on my list of favorite Chardonnays.
Chateau Montelena winery is located in Napa and is famous for winning the historic “Judgment of Paris” wine competition in Paris in 1976. The win is what put California on the wine map for the very first time.
Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay won first place over some of France’s best white burgundies, and the judges couldn’t believe that they awarded first prize to an American chardonnay in a blind taste test.
Each vintage has its own unique characteristics, and the 2019 Chateau Montelena chardonnay is soft and elegant with notes of pear and melon.
It’s very smooth and silky. It has the color of gold straw and has a finish of apricots and honeysuckle. I highly recommend you pick up a bottle for yourself to enjoy.
