2010 Chateau Montelena Riesling

Chateau Montelena is one of Napa Valley’s oldest estate vineyards, having been purchased in 1882 by a San Francisco entrepreneur who built an impressive, European-looking chateau and hired a French winemaker. Nearly a century later, in 1969, an attorney named Jim Barrett led a group of investors who bought the winery with the notion of replanting vineyards that had been allowed to go fallow. In 1976 the winery won international fame when its 1973 Chardonnay took first place in the blind tasting in Paris that has since inspired books and movies. The winery is now owned by the Barrett family, with son Bo Barrett working as master winemaker. Chateau Montelena today makes renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Chardonnay and limited amounts of Zinfandel and Riesling. The estate includes 125 acres of vineyards and produces about 40,000 cases of wine annually.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This white variety originated in Germany. It’s known for its strong flowery aromas and high acidity. Please note Rieslings can have dramatic differences as the grape can be used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling wines.