Speaking of non-malolactic, the reserved 2009 Chardonnay exhibits delicate pear and honeysuckle notes as well as crisp, fresh acidity, medium body and a steely purity. This is often referred to as the Ric Forman style, but Montelena has been doing it as long as Ric has (as have such legendary wineries as Stony Hill). Some time ago Bo Barrett and his dad, Jim, decided that they needed to produce a less expensive, more supple textured Cabernet Sauvignon for consumers and restaurants looking for immediate gratification. That goal has been met very nicely by their Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, which is blended with some Merlot. All the fruit comes from the Calistoga appellation. Tel. (707) 942-5105; Fax (707) 942-4221

Pure, clean and elegant, true to the Montelena style, this is fruit-forward, with little discernible oak presence. Wildflower, peach and nectarine flavors turn smooth and delicate. Drink now through 2018. 13,900 cases made.

盡管此款酒帶有許多 Napa Valley Chardonnays 的局限性，但仍是一款品質(zhì)優(yōu)良并且復(fù)雜的葡萄酒，伴有菠蘿、梨和橡木風(fēng)味，還帶有泥土和藥草氣息。此酒缺乏一些活力，不過在室溫下會(huì)好一些。