Montelena sale is off

Details are sketchy, but the sale of Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley landmark winery, to Swiss businessman Michel Reybier, owner of Bordeaux’s Chateau Cos d’Estournel, is off, with Montelena managing general partner Jim Barrett saying that Reybier Investments “has been unable to meet its obligations” under the contract it signed in July to purchase the famous Napa Valley winery for a reported $100 million.

In a written statement, Barrett said the winery is no longer for sale and will be operated by himself, managing director Greg Ralston, winemaker Cameron Parry and vineyard manager Dave Vella. Barrett’s son, Bo Barrett, who...