A red wine that is a blend of Primitivo grapes from the winery's own vineyards, brought over from Italy, and old Zinfandel vines from the contracted Tofanelli Ranch.
These two grapes are originally the same variety, but Primitivo has smaller berries and a different flavor, so they are brewed separately.
The chateau, built in Calistoga, north of Napa, in the 1800s, still exudes elegance today.
In 1976, in the legendary France vs. California showdown, it won the Chardonnay category, sending shock waves around the world and marking a turning point in spreading the name of Napa around the world.
The renowned winemaker Beau Barrett is also known as the husband of Heidi Barrett, a renowned cult winemaker.
Today, his Cabernets are also highly regarded by wine enthusiasts around the world.
The chateau's own vineyard, Montelena Estate, happens to use rootstock that is resistant to phylloxera, allowing the vines to age without being damaged. Visitors to the chateau are captivated by the landscape of rows of old vines without irrigation, along with the elegant stone mansion and magnificent gardens.