You know you’re doing something right when, after 45 years of Chardonnay winemaking, they name a California Chardonnay style after your winery, the “ Montelena style.” In short, it means a non-malolactic, minimally oaked Chardonnay. This estate has long made one of the best examples of a quiet, restrained Chardonnay that ages for 20 or more years. Robert Parker
- The Wine Advocate
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" Montelena’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate wraps around the palate with serious depth. Even with all of its intensity, the 2009 has a silkiness that makes it incredibly delicious at this early stage. Red berries, flowers, tobacco & sweet herbs all flesh out on the generous, radiant finish. While many 2009s are a bit tight today, Montelena’s 2009 Estate is showing very nicely, although it is keeping some cards close to the vest. I imagine the 2009 will start to enter its prime drinking window around age 8-10 & drink well for at least another decade beyond that. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029". 93+ points. Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate. ...

A big, mouth filling wine, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, shows the personality of the vintage in its intense fruit. There is plenty of underlying structure in this deep, resonant Cabernet Sauvignon. Mint, flowers & sweet red berries are some of the nuances that are woven into the finish. This is far from an easygoing Napa Cabernet. Although delicious today, it should drink well for a number of years. Another year or so in bottle should help the elements come together even more fully. The 2010 is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon & 7% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 92 points. Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate. ...

The 2011 Chardonnay appears to have more richness & body than the 2010... in 2011 Bo Barrett & his team had to wait until the end of October for this fruit to fully ripen, which, needless to say, is highly unusual. The characteristic Montelena Chardonnay aromas & flavors come through, but in a slightly richer style than normal. Hints of lemon oil, crushed rocks & flowers meld together beautifully on the resonant finish... Whatever the reasons, the 2011 is striking in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 93 points. Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate. ...

Valdeorras is an appellation in an inland area of Galicia in northern Spain, which has become known for its quality white wines from the little-known Godello grape, which does very well in the region's moderate maritime climate & rocky slate soils. A youthful, green-tinged straw yellow wine, with a clean nose of grassy herbaceousness, & pear & pineapple fruit. Light in weight, yet with a palate-coating sense of texture. Perfect with Spain's simple fish tapas dishes, light cheese or tomatoes. ...

Montepulciano d' Abruzzo, not to be confused with the Tuscan village of the same name, is made from the Montepulciano grape variety from the Abruzzi region. This is the signature wine from the area, with coastal plantings at the foot of the Apennines mountains. Whilst standards in this region can vary, this is a reliable, medium-bodied wine with lots of red cherry fruit & soft supple tannins. The ripeness of the fruit & the soft tannic structure make this the perfect party wine or for drinking with light pork dishes. ...

Abruzzo has seriously strict rules. & you can really taste the quality in this. It's a step up from other Montepulciano, boasing notes of ripe cherries, sweet spices & an alluring hint of smoke. It's comfort food in a bottle. ...

A great value Rioja, made in a youthful, easy-drinking style by Marques de Carrión, who are based in the historic ...

Montes was founded in 1987 by winemaker Aurelio Montes & Douglas Murray. Their vision was to produce Chilean wines of premium quality. They've continued to raise the bar for the country ever since. & the name is now one of the most celebrated in South American wine. This is rich & layered Cabernet, with notes of ripe black fruit, sweet tobacco & spice. Serve at 17-19 degrees with beef ribs or cellar for up to a decade. ...

Viña Montes was founded in the late 1980s by four men who shared a dream – to take the quality of Chilean wines to a whole new level. They've certainly succeeded. Today, their collection

Includes:: some of Chile's most sought-after bottles, earning top scores from renowned critics year after year. What's more, winemaker Aurelio Montes was awarded the IWC's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, in recognition of his exceptional talents. & you'll certainly taste the quality in this intense & complex Carménère. It hails from the premium Apalta Valley region, where steeply sloped vineyards & beautifully sunny days make for ripe, concentrated flavours. Discover aromas of blackberry & blueberry with a kick of peppery spice. 16 months of oak ageing gives it an opulent, velvety texture that'll pair perfectly with red meats like lamb.

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