The 2020 Chardonnay was released in October 2022. As usual, it's a non-malolactic fermentation wine, matured in a relatively small proportion of new French oak, and so it reveals hints of apple, tangerine and lime on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it's sappy, a bit linear and vibrant on the palate, finishing crisp and long. I've capped the aging estimate at a decade, but past vintages have aged successfully for 20 years or more, depending on your preferences.

You'll pay a hefty premium for the extra five years of aging, but the 2015 Chardonnay is showing enticing hints of development in its honeyed pear and melon aromas. It's medium to full-bodied, succulent and silky on the palate, with a long, mouthwatering finish.

Caramelized citrus, apple skin and a touch of tangerine oil are all present in the medium-bodied, refreshing, basically unoaked or neutral oaked style of Chardonnay that Chateau Montelena’s produced in 2013. This style is meant to show the fruit and acid of the varietal. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.