The 1991 Chardonnay-Alexander Valley displays more up-front fruit than the Chardonnay-Napa. Neither sweet nor soft (as many California Chardonnays can be), it is rounder and juicier than the Napa Valley bottling. An excellent citrusy, tropical fruit-scented nose is followed by fine acidity, crispness, and a vibrant, long, medium to full-bodied finish. It should drink well for at least 4-5 years.There is something reassuring about seeing a bottle of Chateau Montelena. This classic, old Napa Valley winery is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but they can also fashion wonderful Chardonnay from the Alexander and Napa valleys. The temptation to sugar wines and do malolactic fermentation for Chardonnay and gussy up their Chardonnays with lavish quantities of new oak has never been a goal of Chateau Montelena. The result is the quintessential California style of Chardonnay that has remained unchanged after nearly two decades. Their Chardonnays drink well young, yet this is one example where certain vintages can improve for 5-10 years. Starting in 1992, there will no longer be an Alexander Valley Chardonnay.