> Chateau Montelena Tasting

Charlie Palmer Steakhouse
101 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tuesday, February 8 2005

Wines tasted:

1996 Napa Valley Chardonnay

1998 Napa Valley Chardonnay

1999 Napa Valley Chardonnay

2002 Napa Valley Chardonnay

2003 Napa Valley Chardonnay

From the Chardonnay tasting, I thought that 2002 was incredible, with great acidity and wonderful balance. The 1996 was superb, still young, a very good example of how Chateau Montelena Chardonnay can age.


1995 Napa Valley Cab. Sauvignon

1999 Napa Valley Cab. Sauvignon

2000 Napa Valley Cab. Sauvignon

2001 Napa Valley Cab. Sauvignon

2002 Napa Valley Cab. Sauvignon

From the tasting of Napa Cabernet; I thought that 2001 was really good. Very chewy, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc has the potential to age very gracefully

1999 Montelena Estate Cab. Sauvignon

2000 Montelena Estate Cab. Sauvignon

2001 Montelena Estate Cab. Sauvignon

2002 Montelena Estate Cab. Sauvignon

2003 Montelena Estate Cab. Sauvignon

Obviously the tasting of the Montelena Estate Cabernet was the focus of the afternoon. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 were all super wines with a great aging potential, especially 1999 and 2001. Tasting the 2003 (by the way, another great Montelena) which we will offer probably in futures in April, I could not stop thinking about how Montelena is a must for customers who have a cellar. Kudos to Chateau Montelena!

2000 Montelena Estate Zinfandel

2002 Montelena Estate Zinfandel

Both Zinfandels were excellent, very lush and drinking beautifully.

1998 Potter Valley Riesling

2002 Potter Valley Riesling

Last I really enjoyed the two Riesling, both very alive and crispy with hints of white peaches, a perfect way to end this tasting.

Thanks go to Bo Barrett and Greg Ralston and their staff for a wonderful experience, showing that Chateau Montelena is a world class winery.
Patrick