The 2011s from Chateau Montelena
Last night I participated in a live event at ToutSuite Social Club in Napa called Montelena Live: 2011 Ain’t So Bad. The name is ironic, as the 2011s from Chateau Montelena are nothing short of spectacular. As Bo Barrett and winemaker Cameron Parry explained, the goal at Montelena is to stay as true as possible to the purest expression of their grapes regardless of the of growing season.
As part of my continuing WSET exam practice, I elected to review the Zinfandel from last night and share it with you, my readers. I chose the Zinfandel because it’s quite different in style than other California Zinfandels you may have tasted.
2011 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel
2011 Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel, Calistoga, Napa Valley
Appearance
This Zinfandel is clear with a medium-intense ruby color and light sheeting on the glass.
Nose
The nose is clean with developing, medium-plus intense aromas of red and black fruits and spice.
Palate
On the palate, this Zinfandel is dry, with medium acidity, medium-plus alcohol, medium-plus body, medium-plus intense blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, and spice flavors, and a medium-plus finish. It is balanced and pure, not a jammy, overripe Zinfandel. The mélange of red and black fruit aromas and flavors is reflective of the 2011 cooler growing season.
Quality
This Zinfandel is very good. You may drink it now, but it has potential for further aging. As per WSET standards, this would be considered a premium-priced wine at $44.00/750ml bottle.
Other Information
HARVEST DATE: October 12 to 25, 2011
BARREL AGING: 14 months, 50% French and 50% American, 13% new
BOTTLING DATE: December 2012
RELEASE DATE: March 2014
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
Thank you to Chateau Montelena and ToutSuite Social Club for a fantastic event.
Cheers!
Beth
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