Tagged: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA

Bernardus: A Perfect Solo Tasting of the 2021 Spring Release

In normal times, the Bernardus tasting room is filled with members and visitors.  During the pandemic, Bernardus has taken a very conservative approach to focus on winemaking while limiting even outdoor tastings – I respect that!  When asked by Heather, the tasting room manager, if I would like to do a tasting when I picked up my wine shipment in early March, I jumped at the opportunity!  Little did I know how solo it would be – I was the only person on their lovely patio!  I felt very safe, as well as catered to! I am presenting six Bernardus wines for today’s blog.

The expansive Bernardus patio is perfect for outdoor tastings!

2019 Bernardus Signature Griva Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#285*)

Winery Notes: “Our 2019 Signature Griva bottling has aromas of grapefruit accented by mineral nuances. The beautifully rich palate exhibits bright tropical fruit flavors with notes of lime and grapefruit zest. The 2019 version is beautifully rich, yet perfectly balanced with a gently crisp, refreshing acidity.”

My Review: Pale straw in the glass.  Pineapple on the nose, nice crisp acidity on the palate with pineapple notes. I’m a fan of Griva Sauvignon Blanc, so this was a real treat. March 2021

2018 Bernardus Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $50 (#286*)

Winery Notes – 93 Points by Wine Enthusiast and Vinous: “Our 2018 Soberanes Chard exhibits aromas of ripe tropical fruits and baking spice. The palate exhibits its hallmark richness and intensity along with ripe peach flavors and toasty oak notes, which linger on its long, well textured finish.”

My Review: Golden yellow in color, grassy/buttery on the nose with caramel, gardenia, butter and alcohol on the palate. March 2021

2016 Bernardus Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $70 (#287*)

Winery Notes:  “The 2016 Soberanes displays a beautiful ruby robe and vibrant red fruit aromas. The palate exhibits crisp flavors of ripe red cherry and raspberry with a long finish, promising an excellent future ahead.”

My Review: Ruby in the glass,  Red currant and light cherry on the nose.  Earth and cherry notes on the palate – cellar this wine! March 2021

2017 Bernardus Pinot Noir Rosella Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $80 (#288*)

Winery Notes – GOLD – San Francisco Wine Competition:  “The aromas beautifully express the intense red fruits so typical of the finest Pinot vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Flavors are very intense with succulent ripe red cherries and cranberries, along with subtle notes of French oak. Our 2017 iteration is a superb expression of this unique vineyard.”

My Review: Ruby in color with a nice, cherry nose.  Bigger palate of cherry/berry flavors with delicious dark and red fruit on the finish. March 2021

First class service at my solo tasting!

2017 Bernardus Cabernet Sauvignon, Marinus Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, $50 (#289*) 

Winery Notes: “Our 2017 Cabernet exudes spicy aromas of red berry and cranberry. The palate beautifully reflects the aromas showing juicy red fruit flavors with a subtle, refreshing acidity. Our Cabernet has been aged for six months in 28-year-old neutral French oak tanks in order to allow the fruit flavors of these grapes to shine through without any oak barrel influence.”

My Review: Dense, dark ruby like the 2014 Marinus.  Cherry notes on the nose.  Smooth on the palate – slightly vegetal on the finish.  Very drinkable now, but recommend cellaring. March 2021

2014 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.3% ABV, $75 (#290)

I will be presenting this wine in a future, live WWCS class!!

Winery Notes – 93 Points by Vinous: “The robe of our 2014 Marinus is very deeply-colored. The aromas exude beautifully ripened red fruits accented by subtle spice notes. The mouthfeel is very soft and full expressing delicious flavors of ripe cherry and plum. The finish is well structured with soft tannins promising a long life for this superb bottle, similar to a fine Bordeaux.”

My Review: Beautiful dense, dark ruby in the glass.  Intense fruit on the nose.  Smooth palate full of dark berry fruits, a bit chalky yet fresh. Drinking so well with lots of future for cellaring.  I could just keep drinking this wine. March 2021

The Bernardus Tasting Room will undergo a remodeling – This last reminder that this building was originally a bank is set to go.

The tasting room is closed until May 1, while the staff focuses on winemaking.  You can order wines on line and pick them up at the tasting room. Check here for more information. 

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

The Best of the Rest: I Brand & Family Wines

This is my last of three planned posts on my Spring Release 2021 I Brand wines, with this post focusing on the I Brand & Family label.  This label is for their “California inspired” wines, as compared to the country French and Spanish inspired wines of P’tit Paysan and La Marea, respectively. 

The 4 wines in today’s post are the I Brand & Family 2017 and 2018 Chardonnay, 2019 Pinot Noir (a first!), and a special 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, three of which I tasted in early March at their tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. 

One of the things Ian Brand is known for is creative grape sourcing for his vineyards.  In the case of these wines, he is using rather well-known (at least well-known to us locals) vineyards – ones known for producing quality fruit for higher-end wines. 

Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands: “Honore’ Escoole purchased his summer property, for his family in 1878.  He established one of the most desireable benches in Monterey County.  Now, managed under the local Caraccioli Family.  This site, continues to deliver a distinct expression of the northern Santa Lucia Highlands.  Dominate soil Chualar Sandy Loam, which allows great root distribution and development.”  (from I Brand’s tech sheet)

Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley, San Benito County: “Enz Vineyard is located in San Benito County in the little-known Lime Kiln Valley AVA. Enz currently owns about 1,400 acres and is planted with 40 acres of vines. Mourvedre and Zinfandel are the prime varietals however, they also yield small quantities of Pinot St George, Pinot Noir, and Orange Muscat. Although Enz is fairly close to Monterey Bay, the vineyard elevation site above the fog line and the steep valley walls create a warm microclimate ideal for Mourvedre.” California Wine Navigator

Massa Vineyard, Cachagua, Carmel Valley: “Overlooking the Cachagua region of Carmel Valley, (“Cachagua” is believed to be an Indian derivative of the French “cacher” and the Spanish “agua” – “hidden waters”), and framed by the dramatic surrounding hills, lie the beautiful vineyards of Massa Estate, formerly Heller Estate and Durney Vineyards.” Heller Estate

“The Massa Vineyard is the new name for the underground classic Durney Vineyard right here in Carmel Valley…We are pleased to be working with the Massa family on excellent organic farming practices…This release comes from its 1971 planting, which we consider far and away the most exceptional blocks on the vineyard.” I Brand Spring Release newswletter

2017 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.2% ABV, $30 (#281*)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: “Amazing balance and roundness.  Rich nuttiness, and fruit showcased upon the nose. Partial malolactic fermentation, allows bright acidity to shine, while the creamy characteristic follows upon the palate.  Layers of fruit and baking spices envelop the mouth, providing a silky finish that lasts.  Baked apples, and pineapple lead, with a slight clove finish.  Enjoy now, or cellar for an optimal tasting experience.”  10 months on lees, 50% new French oak.  4 months stainless steel, partial malolactic fermentation.

My Review: Beautiful golden yellow in the glass like sunshine.  Fresh citrus squirt on the nose and more of same on the palate.  A lovely wine. March 2021

2018 I Brand & Family Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 13.4% ABV, $30 (#282*)

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: ““bright citrus, macadamia nut, subtle spice, silky smooth”  10 months in 50% new oak, last 4 months in stainess steel.” “Like a sunny day.”

My Review: Brighter yellow than the Albarino.  Mild, buttery and creamy nose.  Toasted marshmallow and butter on the palate with lemon curd on toast on the finish.  Delicious. March 2021

2019 I Brand & Family Pinot Noir, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley, San Benito County, 13.2% ABV, $42 (#283*)

Winery Tasting Notes: “cherry, black tea, rhubarb, damp earth, dry acidity, will grow in expression over the next few years” “A cooler climate Pinot.”

My Review: Strawberry and raspberry on the nose. Raspberry and rhubarb on the palate.  Slight tannin on the finish.  March 2021

2018 I Brand & Family Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘Block 10’, Massa Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, 13% ABV, $75 (#284*) 

Winery Tasting Notes: “black current, violet, bergamot, strong & graceful, will age well over 10-12 years” “On par with the Monte Bello Road” (I Brand’s Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains)

My Review: Deep ruby – bordering on inky. Intense dark berry (great Cachagua fruit) on the nose. Inkiness continues on the palate – rich deep flavors.  The challenge will be to lay it down and not touch it – we are not that disciplined!  March 2021

I Brand’s tasting room in Carmel Valley Village is open for tastings – reservations recommended.  https://www.ibrandwinery.com/visit.  And BIG NEWS:  You can now purchase I Brand wines directly from their website at https://www.ibrandwinery.com/!

Bernardus: Let’s Celebrate the Tasting Room Reopening with Three Great Wines!

Since we started cataloguing wines last March, it has been quite a process to keep track of which wines I have posted to Decanting Monterey and which I haven’t, as well as all those wines that don’t fit the “Central Coast” criteria!  The Bernardus Pinot Noir in today’s post slipped through the cracks – we’ve actually had this wine three times, so you are benefiting from my most mature review!  I am highlighting it today, along with a couple of my favorites Marinus wines.

2014 Bernardus Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $55 (#42*)

About the Soberanes Vineyard:  “The Soberanes Vineyard, located in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, builds upon a tradition of high quality hand-winegrowing. Working together again, the Pisoni and Franscioni families, whose friendship spans three generations and are known for the Pisoni, Garys’, Rosella’s and Sierra Mar Vineyards, have an additional vineyard site to explore.” 38 acres, 27 acres of Pinot Noir. 

Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points:  “Cranberry juice, touches of juniper and muddy-soil notes arise on the nose of this bottling from a popular vineyard in the region. The earthy palate combines a line of beet juice with clay, turned earth, black plum and dried pine needles, framed by chalky tannins.” Matt Kettmann, 3/2017 Drink through 2027.  (The 2018 vintage is the current release, which lists for $70 and is rated 94 points!)

My Review: Garnet in color. Cassis and tobacco on the nose. Mid-to-full bodied, with cassis, plum, eucalyptus and tobacco notes on the palate. Lingering raspberry  with a touch of bitterness. This is a big wine – even this non-Pinot fan like this Pinot Noir. January 2021

About Marinus from Bernardus: “Our Marinus vineyard in upper Carmel Valley is planted with the five traditional red Bordeaux varietals. It is divided into small blocks per grape variety, exposure and soil type. Each block has its own unique terroir and is farmed and hand harvested at peak ripeness to maximize quality. 

Marinus Collection Chez Nous!

“In recent years, our Vineyard Manager Matt Shea and Winemaker Dean DeKorth have been busy refurbishing the Marinus vineyard with spectacular results…”

2012 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $75 (#243*) 

2012 Bernardus Marinus

From the Label: “Our California grown Bordeaux-style wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes from our Vineyards in the upper Carmel Valley. The Marinus Estate vineyard was chosen for its rare joining of varied soils and sunny  inland climate moderated by a marine influence-ideal conditions for the production of Bordeaux varieties. Taste A Dream.”

Wine Enthusiast Review – 92 points: “One of the winery’s most celebrated releases each year, this blend of all five major Bordeaux red varieties is an excellent showcase of Carmel Valley’s class. Freshly squeezed blackberry and blackcurrant fruit meet with beef char, charcoal and dried lilacs on the nose. The palate tastes of lava rocks, dark chocolate, fresh boysenberries, dried mint and beef jerky, all woven together with a touch of smoke.” 90 points. Matt Kettmann, February 2017

My Review: Dense, dark red, garnet in color.  Black fruits on the nose with deep blackberry and leather. A mouthful of dark, dense fruit.  Leather, pepper and licorice on the finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon-driven wine is best enjoyed decanted.    August 2020

2013 Bernardus Signature Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $125 (#244*)

2013 Bernardus Signature Marinus

Winemaker Notes: “The 2013 Signature Marinus represents a selection of the best barrels from the best lots in 2013. It is both elegant, yet very powerful, exhibiting wonderfully intense aromas of ripe cranberry, black cherry and plums accented by spicy notes of cedar. The palate exhibits intense candied red cherry and cranberry flavors with hints of spice, supported by a beautifully long, well-structured finish. Our 2013 Signature Marinus demonstrates the superb quality of the Marinus Vineyard, with the ripe fruit flavors of California matched with the excellent ageing potential of the finest wines of Bordeaux.”

My Review: This was one of the first Marinus Signature series wines I got to know well from our many visits to Bernardus.  When we finally figured out we could be “Marinus only” members, we jumped at the chance.  This is a big, smooth, rich wine, full of yummy berry flavors and a nice finish.  Remains one of my very favorites.  December 2020

Patio Tasting Is Open by Reservation!!

Bernardus is open for curbside pick up Monday through Friday 10-4 and just started back up patio tastings Wednesday through Friday as of 2/10! Please email tastingroom@bernardus.com or call 831-298-8021 for a wine tasting appointment.  Please read more HERE.

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

Holiday Shopping Leads to Discovery of Wrath New Releases!

Wrath San Saba Vineyard, 2019

Back in November, with the holidays rapidly approaching, I ventured out to Carmel Plaza.  Can’t go there without stopping at Wrath! As a huge fan of their San Saba Syrah, I was thrilled to learn the 2017 had just been released.  On a previous trip, I had done a side-by-side tasting of the 2016 San Saba and the 2016 Syrah KW Ranch.  With both the 2017 San Saba in hand and the 2016 KW Ranch in my cellar, time to drink some Wrath!

I last brought you Wrath back in September, with reviews of the 2015 & 2016 Wrath Syrah San Saba Vineyard, along with the 2017 EX Sauvignon Blanc here:  https://decantingmonterey.com/wrath-harnessing-angry-fog-and-screaming-winds-to-create-great-wines/.

2016 Wrath Syrah KW Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.7% ABV, $39 (#232*)

From Wrath about the 2016 Syrah KW Ranch:

“KW Ranch is located in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, southeast of McIntyre Vineyard and just northwest of Gary’s Vineyard. Planted to both Pinot Noir and Syrah in 2000 by Kirk Williams, the site features a well-exposed, gently-rolling hillside with gravely loam soils. Wines from KW Ranch tend to be intense and highly aromatic.”

“…Our 2016 KW Ranch Syrah is wildly aromatic with flashes of black pepper, smoked meat, blackberries, leather and cassis.  The palate is thick, powerful and succulently juicy.  Even though the tannnis are bold, the wine is still nimble, elegant and approachable.” 100% Syrah. 100% French oak, 30% new. 158 cases produced.

Critical Acclaim: 93 points Jeb Dunnuck;91-94pts Connoisseur’s Guide

My Review:  Deep ruby in color, white pepper, dark berry on the nose. Explosion of fruit blueberry, blackberry and cherry with a solid dose of pepper on the palate. A little licorice, medicinal, vegetal on the finish. Over time, a little tobacco on the finish. November 2020 

2017 Wrath Syrah San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, 14.6% ABV, $39 (#233*)

From Wrath about the 2017 Syrah San Saba Vineyard:

“Our Estate San Saba Vineyard is set in a sheltered nook just below the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The estate consists of 72 acres of which 67.75 are planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Falanghina. This is a cool site with little rainfall and one of the longest growing seasons in the world. Our soils, Arroyo Gravelly Loam and Hanford Gravely Sandy Loam, provide a low-vigor, well-draining, disease- and pest-free medium for our vines. They also impart a subtle mineral quality to our wines…”

“Powerful and elegant, aromatics include blackberry, leather and peppercorns; the palate is rich and concentrated with graphite, cassis, and a hint of smoke.”  10 months in French oak, 20% new.  313 cases produced.

Critical Acclaim:  91 Wine Spectator, 93 Vinous

My Review: Dark purple in the glass, blueberry and a touch of barnyard/sulphur on the nose, intense blueberry and blacked berry on the palate – jammy and good. Vanilla on the finish. I do slightly prefer the 2016 vintage to this 2017. November 2020

You can buy these wines at A Taste of Monterey or directly from Wrath. 

Regarding Tastings: “As of Monday, Jan 25th, both Wrath tasting rooms are now allowed to open for limited outside seatings and tastings. New hours for Wrath’s winery tasting room are Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon from 11-5pm, closed Tues-Wed-Thur.  The winery patio is large so we can accommodate multiple visitor groups and still maintain 10′ plus spacings for safety.  Our Carmel tasting room is open every day from 11-5pm.” https://www.wrathwines.com/Visit

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.    

Morgan: “artisan, vineyard-centric wines” from SLH and Monterey

I belong to a virtual wine class with my Washington DC friends and a recent class was focused on Syrah – from anywhere.  I was at Andronico’s and found this 2018 Morgan Syrah G17 on sale for $23.  I don’t know Morgan wines as well as I should, so I picked one up to try. 

Distilled from Morgan’s website: Dan Morgan Lee was first “…hired as winemaker at Jekel Winery in Monterey County.  After serving his apprenticeship at Jekel, Dan moved up the road to Durney Vineyard where he continued to make Monterey wines…Dan aspired to craft his own label. It was at a meeting of the Monterey County Winegrowers Association that he shared his vision with a banker. In addition to becoming his business advisor, that banker would also become Dan’s wife…

After initial success and many awards, “…Dan eventually turned more of his attention to the Santa Lucia Highlands and single vineyard releases. Dan and Donna invested in their belief in the Highlands with the purchase of the Double L Vineyard in 1996. Today the Double L is one of the best known vineyards in California. Dan’s leadership and expertise in the district led to his being named the first Board President of the newly formed Santa Lucia Highlands’ winegrowers association in 2005.”

2018 Morgan Syrah G17, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $25 (#111*) 94% Syrah, 3% Grenache, 3% Tempranillo

According to Morgan Winery: The Morgan G17 “…is sourced primarily from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco Appellations of Monterey County. Cool to moderate daytime temperatures are mitigated by ocean breezes and cool nights – fostering acidity and balance. Here the fog burns off early, allowing ample sunshine to warm temperatures to the mid 80’s during the summer and fall. The warm air draws cool winds from Monterey Bay in the late afternoon. By night time, temperatures cool to the mid 50’s.”

While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in SLH, I was delighted to see this Morgan Syrah made with grapes from these SLH and Arroyo Seco AVA vineyards: Paraiso, Double L, Tondré (SLH AVA); Griva and Ventana (Arroyo Seco AVA). 

This wine is named cleverly after G17, the California route number for River Road and beyond!

Winemaker’s Notes: “This Rhone-style blend has a garnet color, highlighted with purple edges. Blackberry, white pepper, graphite, and hints of smoked meat jump out of the glass. The wine is medium-full bodied with fine grained tannins, offering a mouthful of crème de violette and black fruit. Its weight and balance make it a perfect pairing with anything off the grill.”  It spent 10 months in 20% new French oak. 

Wine Enthusiast rated this wine 94 Points: “Lively aromas of black raspberry jam on French toast, dark hibiscus, tar and lavender show on the cool-climate nose of this bottling, which includes 3% each of Grenache and Tempranillo. The palate is vibrant with flavors of pepper, lavender and lilac, set against the richer black-raspberry and black-plum backdrop.”  Matt Kettmann, July 2020

My Review: Deep ruby in color, with a vibrant nose of dark berries and pepper.  A smooth, intense, deep palate of dark plum and blackberry, almost like an older wine in flavor, with a peppery menthol and leather finish.  To me, the spiciness is more reminiscent of some of the Shiraz wines I used to drink decades ago, a bit of a contrast to other Syrahs I’ve had from the Monterey (Salinas Valley floor), Arroyo Seco and Carmel Valley AVAs.  July 2020

Morgan is open for patio tastings at the Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel: Thursday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  For more information on making a tasting reservation, click here. You can find this wine on the winery webpage above or at our local Andronico’s and perhaps elsewhere locally.  You can also find it on www.wine.com and at  K&L Wine Merchants.

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.

© Decanting Monterey 2020

Rexford: “Unique Wines Crafted in Santa Cruz, California”

It was 68 degrees on a May afternoon.  For most of you, so what, right?  In our coastal town of Pacific Grove, it was one of the very few days of the year when it was warm enough to sit on our front porch, which never sees the light of day or warmth of the sun.  Our new isolation/Shelter-in-Place thing to do is for all of us – including our dogs – to enjoy a warm afternoon on the front porch, sunk into an old, comfy, rattan couch.  On this day, we played my husband’s favorite isolation game – Guess the Wine.

He brought us each a glass of pale yellow, very chilled wine.  My first guess was a Sauvignon Blanc, but there was way too much pineapple.  Chardonnay was my second guess.  Monterey County was a safe bet, but he wasn’t sure.  I wracked my brain trying to think of whose Chardonnay we had in our house.  Nope. Do they have a tasting room in Carmel Valley Village?  Yes, but we don’t go there often.  Hm…finally I start listing the tasting rooms we visit in order of geography…and finally hit upon Rexford. 

Rolling Vineyards Just South of the Santa Lucia Highlands

We are moving into the Santa Lucia Highland (SLH) AVA, where some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the county is grown at some of the county’s most famous vineyards.  You can feel the power and see the beauty of SLH while driving down the River Road Wine Trail. “SLH” on a label to me means a wine of distinction.  You would expect me to be presenting a Hahn, a Talbot, a Boekenoogen, or something from one of our renowned SLH wineries.  But, since I am presenting you wines we have consumed while Sheltering-in-Place by AVA, I am bringing you a Rexford. 

The Rexford Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village.

The Rexford Winery was founded in 2008.  It is known for its single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and other premium varieties.  This wine comes from the northern part of the SLH AVA.  Pretty sure we drove right by this vineyard on our April River Road trip.  We got to know Rexford from our many visits to the former White Oak Shopping Center, now home to some of our favorite wineries (we’ve already mentioned Parsonage, Chesebro, and I. Brand in this blog). The Rexford tasting room is closed.

2015 Rexford Winery Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.7% ABV, $30 (#49*)

Winemaker’s Notes: The grapes were crushed and destemmed, then pressed immediately. Barrel fermented and aged sur lie.  “This wine was fermented and aged in French oak barrels then bottled without fining or filtration. It is a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay with an excellent balance of fruit and acidity. In the aroma are hints of oak and tropical fruits and in the taste flavors of citrus and melon.”  Only 98 cases were produced and it sold out quickly. 

The 2015 Rexford Chardonnay is bursting with flavor.

My Review: Light on color, brilliant pineapple on the nose and palate, with a touch of butter.  This higher alcohol Chardonnay is perhaps the biggest, most flavorful one I have ever tasted – just bursting with flavor.  It was refreshing after a long hike and was greatly enjoyed on our front porch on such a warm day. I would buy this again.  May 2020 

Check out Rexford here – their prices are mostly $30-35 per bottle and they are currently (as of 9/11/2020) offering free shipping with the purchase of 3 or more bottles.  Crazy good, eh? 

*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.

© Decanting Monterey 2020

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