Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Chateau Montelena is one of Napa’s most famous wineries thanks to the Judgement of Paris blind tasting competition which helped put the property on the map for top quality American wine. The panel of French wine experts selected Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay as the best white wine on show, ahead of many famous white Burgundies. Today Chateau Montelena continues to craft sensational Chardonnay as well as Zinfandel which is regarded as California’s heritage grape. Fruit is sourced from prime vineyards in Calistoga AVA in Napa where Montelena’s winemaking team take care to only select the finest fruit at optimum ripeness. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and then matured in French and American oak barrels for 16 months. The result is a big and beautiful Zin with plenty of luscious fruit and spice. On the nose there’s ample notes of damson, cocoa, cedar and fresh mint while the first sip reveals a generous full body, firm tannins and a touch of freshness on the long finish. The punchy flavour profile makes this a great wine to pair with hearty dishes like barbecued ribs, steak or beef stews.