Chateau Montelena Zinfandel 2006 Impresses Wine Critic

Winery's iconic Zinfandel blend praised for its complex flavors and balanced tannins.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wine critic Randy Fuller reviews the 2006 Zinfandel from the renowned Chateau Montelena winery in Calistoga, California. The wine, a 50/50 blend of Zinfandel and Primitivo grapes, is described as extremely fragrant with notes of currants, blackberries, and a slight floral aroma. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a dark cherry flavor and silky tannins, leading to a lengthy and delicious finish.

Why it matters

Chateau Montelena is one of the most iconic wineries in California, having gained global recognition after its Chardonnay won the famous Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976. This review of its Zinfandel offering provides insight into the winery's continued excellence in crafting high-quality, complex red wines that showcase the terroir of the Calistoga region.

The details

The 2006 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel is an estate-grown, produced, and bottled wine that is a 50/50 blend of Zinfandel and Primitivo grapes. It has an alcohol content of 14.4% and was purchased by the author for $30 during a visit to the winery. The wine is described as having a ruby red color, a prominent nose with aromas of currants and blackberries, and an earthy, slightly floral character. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a dark cherry flavor and silky tannins that lead to a lengthy and delicious finish.

  • The wine was reviewed and purchased by the author in February 2026.

The players

Chateau Montelena

A renowned winery in Calistoga, California, known for producing high-quality wines, including the Chardonnay that won the Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976, which was later depicted in the film "Bottle Shock".

Randy Fuller

A wine critic who visited Chateau Montelena and purchased the 2006 Zinfandel, which he later reviewed.

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What they’re saying

“The front label features a drawing of the castle facade of the storied Chateau Montelena, the winery made famous in the 1976 Judgment of Paris.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Critic (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

Chateau Montelena's continued excellence in crafting high-quality, complex red wines, such as the 2006 Zinfandel, demonstrates the winery's enduring legacy and ability to showcase the unique terroir of the Calistoga region.