2011 J. Lohr ‘October Night’ Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County
Clear light straw color. The perfumed nose exhibits exotic Asian flowers and fruits, sweet Meyer lemon, and oak shadings of vanilla and clove. The wine is medium-full in the mouth, with fine balance. From mid-palate on, it gains volume, pumping… Read more
2010 Maddalena Chardonnay, Monterey County
Crisp and fruity, this wine has lots of character, from citrus and apple to tropical fruit aromas and flavors. A small percentage of the juice sees oak barrels for aging — just enough to round out the sharper acid edges. Year in and year out, a… Read more
2011 Kendall-Jackson Riesling, Vintner’s Reserve, Monterey County
Bright straw color. The nose offers up varietal aromas of honeyed orange blossom, exotic flowers, peach, and light apricot jam. There’s an initial sweet presence in the mouth, where the fresh apricot flavor comes forward. This is a seamless… Read more
2011 Francis Ford Coppola Winery ‘Sofia’ Blanc de Blancs, Monterey County
This is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Muscat. The nose is floral and sweet, showing moderate Mandarin orange notes, rounded by vanilla. The initial burst of effervescence in the mouth leads to a surprisingly sweet-tart, dry finish. A clean… Read more
2008 Corralitos ‘La Tache Clone’ Pinot Noir, Lucia Highlands Vineyard, Monterey County
Deep translucent dark ruby color with violet streaks. Winemaker/founder Robert Marani held back the release of this wine, waiting for the component parts to mesh. Good call! High-toned wood scents intermingle with full black cherry, tea and cola… Read more
2010 Darcie Kent Pinot Noir, Rava’s Blackjack Vineyard, Monterey County
Nearly transparent light ruby color. Forward wood scents of toast and baking spices lead to sweet red berry and cherry fruit, with notes of orange. In the mouth, the wine is soft, with spiced sweet red fruit carrying through to the finish. This… Read more
2011 Darcie Kent Grüner Veltliner, Rava’s Blackjack Vineyard, Monterey County
Brilliant straw color. Moderate scents of lime, unripe pineapple, white pepper and wet stone show varietal character. Juicy, sweet-tart citrus dominates the palate and carries through to the finish. This would make a nice change-of-pace white to… Read more
2010 Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner’s Reserve’ Riesling, Monterey County
Medium straw color. This vintage shows more restrained, moderate aromatics than usual, with light floral notes and a bit of stone fruit. Still, the wine is nicely balanced in the mouth. An odd toffee note lingers at the finish. MSRP: $13 (September… Read more
2010 Talbott Vineyards ‘Kali Hart’ Pinot Noir, Monterey County
Transparent cherry-ruby color. Pure black raspberry and cherry aromas waft from the glass, picking up notes of black tea and light pepper. Brash yet light on the palate, with a bit of earthy, tannic grip at the end. MSRP: $21 (August 2012) Wine… Read more
2010 Talbott Vineyards ‘Kali Hart’ Chardonnay, Monterey County
Medium straw color. Bright, high-toned nose of lemon and green apples, with a back note of vanilla. On the palate, the wine shows juicy apple fruit with a dash of rosewater. Balanced, clean and eminently drinkable. Pair with a grilled halibut… Read more
