Rating 95 2023 Top 50  
Style Red
Variety
Vintage 2019
Appellation
Napa County
North Coast
California
USA
ABV 14.3%
Price $45.00  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker
Reviewed By
Review Updated 2023-11-17

Perfect For

Dinner Parties, Drinking Outside the Lines, Steak Dinner

Drink If You Like

Cabernet Franc, Merlot , Zinfandel

Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel 2019 Review

Chateau Montelena is famous in American wine history. It was one of the few wineries from the U.S. to be included in the Judgement of Paris, and its Chardonnay took home the famous 1976 tasting's top prize. But the winery makes more than just Chardonnay. The estate also makes wine from the Zinfandel grape; a variety that was ubiquitous in California before Cab was king. And this is one of the most balanced and beautiful examples in all of Napa Valley. The nose is slightly spiced with calm and balanced notes of black and blueberry fruit. It’s so very welcoming. The mouthfeel is a triumph of the variety’s ability to show restraint and texture. There's a medium fruit depth and amazing natural acidity, giving the palate great balance. A defining American Zinfandel.

Related Reads

· Brand Profile: Chateau Montelena

Related Chateau Montelena Reviews

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2019:
This winery is famous for its Chardonnay, specifically the 1973 vintage, but this Cabernet Sauvignon also wows. Yes, it is young and still ...

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022:
Chateau Montelena is a renowned Napa Valley estate. It earned its fame in 1976 when it beat out top French Chardonnays in the historic ...

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2019:
This wine continues to excite from vintage to vintage. With such skill at the wheel, the slight turns and twists every year are a joy to ...

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2021:
Chateau Montelena is known for producing one of the most famous Chardonnays in the U.S. It was part of the judgement of Paris in the late ...

Featured Zinfandel Articles

The 50 Best Wines of 2022

The 50 Best Wines of 2022:
Read VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 wines of 2022 now! These are 50 of the best wines you can buy. See them all now!

The 50 Best Wines of 2023

The 50 Best Wines of 2023:
Read VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 wines of 2023 now! These are 50 of the best wines you can buy. See them all now!

15 Winemakers to Watch in 2024

15 Winemakers to Watch in 2024:
With hundreds of new and exciting wineries popping up every year, here are 15 winemakers to keep an eye on in 2024.

The World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations for 2023

The World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations for 2023:
From here in America to around the world, these are the top 10 wine travel destinations for 2023. See the best of wine country now.

95
POINTS
Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel 2019
Chateau Montelena is famous in American wine history. It was one of the few wineries from the U.S. to be included in the Judgement of Paris, and its Chardonnay took home the famous 1976 tasting's top prize. But the winery makes more than just Chardonnay. The estate also makes wine from the Zinfandel grape; a variety that was ubiquitous in California before Cab was king. And this is one of the most balanced and beautiful examples in all of Napa Valley. The nose is slightly spiced with calm and balanced notes of black and blueberry fruit. It’s so very welcoming. The mouthfeel is a triumph of the variety’s ability to show restraint and texture. There's a medium fruit depth and amazing natural acidity, giving the palate great balance. A defining American Zinfandel.

Reviewed On: 11-13-2023
95
POINTS
Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel 2019
Chateau Montelena is famous in American wine history. It was one of the few wineries from the U.S. to be included in the Judgement of Paris, and its Chardonnay took home the famous 1976 tasting's top prize. But the winery makes more than just Chardonnay. The estate also makes wine from the Zinfandel grape; a variety that was ubiquitous in California before Cab was king. And this is one of the most balanced and beautiful examples in all of Napa Valley. The nose is slightly spiced with calm and balanced notes of black and blueberry fruit. It’s so very welcoming. The mouthfeel is a triumph of the variety’s ability to show restraint and texture. There's a medium fruit depth and amazing natural acidity, giving the palate great balance. A defining American Zinfandel.

Reviewed On: 11-13-2023