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Napa Valley » Madonna Estates - Mont St. John Cellars

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Madonna Estates - Mont St. John Cellars
5400 Old Sonoma Road
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 255-8864
mail@madonnaestate.com

Tasting:   Open daily 10 to 5 pm
$5 tasting fee
10% case discount
Amenities:
  Organically grown grapes
Price Range:   $21 to $55 per bottle
Established:   1922
Vineyards:   160 acres
Production:
  13,000 cases

Description

Located on the corner of Old Sonoma Road and Highway 121 are Madonna Estates and Mont St. John Cellars. The winery has been in the family since 1922, when the property was first purchased by Andrea Bartolucci. The Bartoluccis have been growers and winemakers for more than 80 years, which makes theirs the third-oldest family-run winery in Napa Valley. They raise fruit that is one hundred percent organically grown and dry-farmed on their Carneros District Estate Vineyard.

The Bartoluccis believe that organic farming is much more than withholding the use of chemicals, that it also involves nurturing the soil and plants as well as improving soil fertility. Using the dry-farming method, the newly planted vines are irrigated only until they create an extensive root system. For future moisture, they rely upon natural rainwater only, creating a stronger vine with a deeper, thicker root system. This method stresses the vines and lowers the grape tonnage, producing smaller berries with more intense varietal characteristics.

The family produces Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Barbera, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Muscat Canelli. The tasting room is large and lively, as the winery caters to tour buses.

Wines and Awards

2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition
2003 Dolcetto - Gold
2004 Pinot Noir - Silver
2005 Gewürztraminer-Bronze

2006 Long Beach Grand Cru
2005 Pinot Grigio - Silver
2003 Pinot Noir - Silver
2003 Dolcetto - Chairman's Best of Class

2006 California State Fair Wine Competition
2005 Pinot Grigio - Best of Class Napa Appellations, Silver Medal

2006 Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition
Silver 2003 Pinot Noir
SIlver 2005 Pinot Grigio
Silver 2003 Dolcetto

2006 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
Silver 2003 Pinot Noir

2006 Los Angeles County Fair WInes of the World
Bronze 2005 Pinot Grigio
Bronze 2003 Pinot Noir

2005 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Bronze 2004 Pinot Grigio
Silver 2003 Dolcetto

2005 Los Angeles County Fair
Best of Class Italian Varietals 2004 Pinot Grigio
Best of Class/ Gold Metal 2003 Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast
91 2004 Pinot Grigio
85 2002 Pinot Noir

 

Features
Ambiance Types of Wine Amenities
Resort Like
Kid Friendly
Off the Beaten Path
Family Run
Historic Features
Country Charm
Casual & Relaxed
Bordeaux
Burgundy
German
Italian
Port or Dessert Wines
Organic/Sustainable Ag.
VIP Tasting
Gift Shop
Member Reviews
Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
Organic Family Operation
Rocko, San Jose
January, 2008

This was our first stop on our trip north and we liked their densely colored and richly flavored Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the Dolcetto and Barbera. The dry farmed vines and organic growing of the grapes seem to give an extra intensity to the wines.

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The above reviews are the subjective opinion of Winery Advisor members and not of Winery Advisor LLC.

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