In 1976, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay officially put California winemaking on the map.  

Now famously known as "The 1976 Judgement of Paris," Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay took 1st place in a blind tasting with a who's-who of French food and wine critics and some of Burgundy's elite wines. 

The rest is history.  

Today, a trend among top winemakers - reducing oak influence and over-the-top buttery notes - has put California back on the map and competing again with some of Burgundy's finest.  

"The parade of citrus marches on, although the midpalate turns more tropical with starfruit and pineapple. And while there are still plenty of green apples, the texture and juiciness of Asian pear add complexity and depth. The acid is consistent and winds its way through the profile, lifting the texture and balancing the suppleness from the barrel. this will be a long-lived wine."  Winemaker 

I enjoyed this wine recently being nicely surprised with the clarity of fruit and minerality.  There was no discernible oak, butter, or pineapple.  And, any hint of oak was wonderfully integrated; in fact, it reminded me of a beautifully balanced Saint-Aubin from Burgundy.

By the way, I enjoyed this crisp Chardonnay with a fresh mixed baby green salad tossed with chopped Anjou pears, Vidalia onions, pecans, and a light vinaigrette.  The combination was perfect!

The 2020 Chateau Montelena is one of the most enjoyable California Chardonnay's I've enjoyed this year.  

You will too!

Cheers.