Chateau Montelena: Visitors can see a bottle of the 1973 Chardonnay that won the now famous
1976 Paris Tasting that helped legitimize California wines worldwide.
With investors, James Barrett bought Chateau Montelena in 1972. He cleared and replanted the vineyards and refurbished the winery with modern equipment.
November 5, 2008 - Chateau Montelena announces it has terminated its sale agreement with Michel Reybier. The Barrett family will retain ownership and not put the winery up for sale.
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Napa's History Maker
Chateau Montelena Winery
December 5, 2008
Napa is new to wine. Centuries of traditions are missing. Some wineries are ersatz Chateaux, not original Bordeaux. But the seeds of new traditions, American traditions, were planted in 1882 down a dusty lane two miles north of the town of Calistoga by Alfred L. Tubbs. He called his new vineyard Chateau Montelena, after nearby Mount Saint Helena.
Almost 100 years later in 1976, wine history was made there. Vintner James Barrett agreed to place the 1973 Chardonnay in a blind tasting in Paris against the finest of French wines. Little did he know his entry would receive the highest score among the white wines and change the wine world permanently. Take time to read the details of this history before you visit. It will make the thoughtfully displayed memorabilia of the 1976 Paris Tasting more meaningful.
The Minute 00:60 enjoyed the Library Wine Tasting (reservations required) in a private room. For 45 minutes, we engaged our knowledgeable and enthusiastic host with endless questions on subjects like his take on Bottle Shock to his favorite wines. Most notably, a frothy discussion broke out on how many minutes of "breathing" an opened and decanted bottle of wine equated to a year of aging in the bottle.
Add beauty and interest to your day with a stroll around the ivy-covered walls depicted on the labels of its wines and through the Chinese gardens and Jade Lake sanctuary that flank the Chateau.
Chateau Montelena
1429 Tubbs Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: 707 942-5105
www.montelena.com
Are You a Wine Enjoyer?
Check out the options we have for wine lifestyle and
travel ideas delivered in small bites via email.
