2021 Chateau Montelena Potter Valley Riesling

For more than four decades, the Barrett family has been making wine at Chateau Montelena, with praise for wines that combine intensity and power with a lush, rich texture - wines that express the unique characteristics of the land from which they come. They like to speak of Terroir wines, as they shun the techniques of chemistry in the cellar to compensate for lackluster terroir or fruit.

The Chateau and its estate vineyards were originally established in the 1880s at the foot of Mount St. Helena in Calistoga, on the north side of the Napa Valley, and the winery operated until 1949. The rise of Chateau Montelena came largely after Steven Spurrier conducted a blind tasting in 1976. The best French whites from Burgundy and the best reds from Bordeaux were compared to the best that the United States had to offer at the time in Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. And guess what: the Nappa Valley houses from the USA won in both categories. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars for red, and for white….. Montelena. The wine world was shaken to its foundations, you will understand, and American (read: Napa Valley) winemakers were really on the map for the first time. The most entertaining way to learn the whole story – if you haven't already – is to watch the movie Bottle Shock (with the brilliant and much too early deceased Alan Rickman as Steven Spurrier). Read more about this famous winery under the tab: Winery

Owner/founder Jim Barrett purchased the historic site in 1972 and restored the winery and vineyards with the aim of producing a Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest quality and he certainly succeeded but they are now also recognized for their unique chardonnays which are characterized by great acidity that also ensures that the wines can age fantastically.

Winemaker Winemaker Matt Crafton writes about the Montelena Riesling: "Great wines should not be overly polished. It is by being unique, or at least outside the norm, that their beauty is fully revealed. The goal, however, is not to be different or complex per se, but to be completely honest. In this way, in our attempt to be true to the site and vintage, the inherent beauty of the wine – with all its quirks and individuality – is naturally revealed"

The riesling vineyard is located in the Potter Valley. Potter Valley is a wine region in Mendocino County, Northern California. This relatively small valley is located on a high plateau, about 1,000 feet above sea level, and is characterized by a cool climate, which sets it apart from many other California wine regions. Its location east of the Coastal Range keeps the valley cooler, despite the area's hot summers.

Potter Valley has a cool climate thanks to morning fog and cool nights, which is perfect for growing grapes that thrive in moderate temperatures, such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The climate extends the growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with good acidity and balanced flavors. The terroir consists of fertile soils of alluvial origin, which provide excellent drainage and nutrition for the vines.

The region is best known for its aromatic white wines, with Riesling as one of the star grapes. Potter Valley Riesling often has bold aromas of citrus, tropical fruits and flowers, combined with lively acidity and a refreshing finish. In addition to white wines, the region also produces reds such as Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, although the region is better known for its white varieties.

Riesling is always ready to impress and this Montelena has lovely notes of honeysuckle, white peach and lime leaf that unleash a cascade of tropical and floral notes. The citrus fruit and fresh-cut flowers are generally quite prominent, lending an enticing freshness. On the palate, there is also some red apple, along with nectarines and a hint of lemon. On the mid-palate, there is a soft, subtle honey note that softens the acidity and brings together each distinct, primary element. The ginger on the nose has morphed into juicy Asian pear—just beautiful. The tropical and stone fruits come to the fore on the finish, first as pineapple and then as ripe apricot. There is just enough acidity to balance this out, while lemongrass and jasmine bring out the latent texture and soft minerality of this wine.

FACT:  In the Tab: Attachment you will find the official fact sheet of this fine wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will also receive a nice discount. We are located almost next to the highway with plenty of parking. Click here for address