Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2021

This brilliant pale straw colored Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena opens with a fragrant and appealing oak, vanilla, and pineapple bouquet. The flavor profile is a chalky minerality and honeydew melon blend with notes of delicate oak, steeped green tea, and Anjou pear. I also detected some hints of vanilla, pineapple, and a touch of lemon verbena in the mix. The finish is dry and its flavors drift away nicely. The Panel thought this impressive Chard would pair very well with halibut stuffed with crab meat. Enjoy. Score – 93. (Panel, kenswineguide.com, Nov. 6, 2023)