Beskrivelse
Notes from the Winemaker, Matt Crafton
Chance favors the prepared mind. Louis Pasteur realized that success flows not only from insight but also good fortune. ̃at duality appropriately applies to the challenging but ultimately gratifying 2020 vintage. During most growing seasons, the progression beginning with ripening in the vineyard and flowing through to harvest is methodical and calculated. With our optimal Napa Valley climate, ideal soils and a stellar track record of wines, it’s seductive to believe that every vintage will proceed as planned. But at Montelena, we know that history has proven otherwise and that the paradigm can shift at any moment, so we prepare. Our team, equipment, and methodology are flexible and malleable precisely to account for the unforeseen. It’s manifested in shaping each individual wine to reflect the growing season. It’s also evident when the unpredictable occurs; in this case, the entire 2020 Chardonnay harvest was compressed into one week, a far cry from 15 to 30 days in most years. Luckily, we had the good fortune of a remarkable growing season and exceptional ripeness. But our success in creating this delicious wine was solidified by the unshakeable dedication and expertise of our team.
VINTAGE WEATHER
The warm, dry spring was punctuated by two inches of rain in May, spurring vine growth heading into summer. ̃ere was plenty of heat and sunshine during June and July as ripening accelerated ahead of schedule. ̃e lighter than expected crop pushed ripening further ahead as all of the Chardonnay vineyards began to move together, like a tidal wave. ̃e wave broke on August 22. After seven intense days, the entire Chardonnay crop was harvested successfully, the fastest on record for us.
NOSE
Bright gold in the glass, the wine opens with green apple, honeysuckle and orange blossom. ̃e citrus in particular seems to be most evident, as lime leaf and lemon zest at this stage. ̃is vintage was more classic rather than overly ripe, so it’s not surprising. ̃ere’s a hint of fresh wood and vanilla as well, adding some nuance without overshadowing the beautiful floral character.
HARVEST DATES
August 22–28
ALCOHOL
13.8%
BLEND
PALATE
The parade of citrus marches on, although the midpalate turns more tropical with starfruit and pineapple. And while there’s still plenty of green apple, the texture and juiciness of Asian pear adds complexity and depth. ̃e acid is consistent and winds its way through the profile, lifting the texture and balancing the suppleness from barrel. ̃is will be a long-lived wine.
Technical Information
BARREL AGING
10 months in French oak
BOTTLING DATE
July 26–August 2, 2021
FINISH
The transition to the finish is still somewhat abrupt due to the wine’s youth and dynamism. ̃is will change over time. But here, the character is dominated by lemon curd and pie crust, along with chalk and fresh apricot. ̃e acid is still mouthwatering, although it has mellowed somewhat. Despite its young age, the overall length of this Chardonnay is impressive.
WINEMAKER
Matt Crafton
100% Chardonnay
