Château Montelena is one of the most iconic names in American wine history. Located in Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley, it is known for its historic stone château and beautiful estate as well as its groundbreaking role in the 1976 Judgement of Paris. At that blind tasting in Paris, Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay surpassed some of the most renowned white Burgundies. This moment redefined the global perception of American wine and established Napa Valley as one of the world’s great regions.
Founded in 1882, the winery experienced a renaissance under the Barrett family, who purchased the estate in the early 1970s. Jim Barrett, a Los Angeles lawyer turned vintner, rebuilt Montelena’s reputation with a clear focus on quality and authenticity. Today, his son Bo Barrett continues that legacy with a style that favors restraint over excess and elegance over power.
Montelena’s wines are known for their balance, structure, and longevity. The Napa Valley Chardonnay still carries the legacy of the 1976 victory, showing freshness, minerality, and the ability to age gracefully. Their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on volcanic and alluvial soils just behind the winery, is one of the region’s most respected wines. It is layered, complex, and deeply rooted in place.
At AmericanWine.club we are proud to feature a curated selection from Montelena’s current portfolio, including the 2021 Napa Valley Chardonnay and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines are not only a tribute to Napa’s past but also a vibrant part of its future.
Cabernet Sauvignon
