2014 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay [WE93][W&S90]

"This is a dreamy creamy white founded in stony mineral and juicy acidity that shows a mix of baked apple, pineapple and melon. A tease of green olive provides a briny, salty edge to its tense balance. A lingering hint of vanilla oak figures prominently on the lengthy floral finish." 

"Rich with orange blossom and peppery olive-oil notes, this warm and smoky chardonnay offers the creaminess and cinnamon spice of French oak aging. It’s firm enough in structure to meld its buttered-toast notes into the citrus fruit. Pour it with roast fish." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"Ripe peach, pear and cloves dominate the nose amidst a flurry of floral and honeysuckle notes. There’s a wonderful fullness and weight on the palate punctuated by ripe melon, green apple, and fresh citrus. The oak contribution remains subtle with a hint of vanilla and baking spice. The density of the wine is readily apparent as grilled pineapple, lychee, and a rich creaminess linger."