Winery
of the Week:
Monterey County Whites
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Click
on image to Enlarge |
Monterey
County, California is a premier wine producing region
in the state, but all too often, it seems to slip under the
radar of wine lovers everywhere. So if you've never enjoy a
bottle from the area, it's high time you did. Here are a handful
of whites that pleased our tasting panel's palates:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Galante
Vineyards 2013 "Wagon Wheel" White
Winery:
Galante Vineyards
Grape(s): 92 % Sauvignon Blanc &
8% Viognier
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromas of nectarine, pear, and apricot mingle with hints
of minerals and white blossoms on the nose. On the palate,
flavors of apricot, peach, and mango emerge, along with
accents of minerals. A crisp wine that still offers supple
flavors, fans of out of the ordinary white blends should
try this bottle. 302 cases produced.
Rating: 91 |
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Ventana
2013 Chardonnay
Winery:
Ventana
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of pineapple, pear, sweet spice and vanilla
rises up from a glass. Flavors of tart apple, pear, and
passion fruit interweave with nuances of caramel and spicy
oak on the palate. A balanced acidity and supple mouthfeel,
make it a wine to please a crowd.
Rating: 89 |
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Dawn's
Dream 2012 Chardonnay
Winery:
Dawn's Dream
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Notes of pear and apple interweave with hints of vanilla
and minerals on the nose. With a sip, flavors of green
apple and Asian pear open up into suggestions of key lime
pie and fresh minerals. A lively Chardonnay with a fresh
acidity, fans of bright white wines should give this bottle
a try. 550 cases were made.
Rating: 88 |
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Noble
Vines "446" 2013 Chardonnay
Winery:
Noble Vines
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromatics of pear, pineapple, honeydew, and vanilla greet
the senses. A sip delivers flavors of tropical fruit and
melon that are accented by traces of creamy oak, sweet
spice, and lemon custard. A friendly Chardonnay, with
an approachable acidity, it's an excellent value.
Rating: 89 |
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Carmel
Road 2013 Unoaked Chardonnay
Winery:
Carmel Road
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
Fragrances of pear and green apple meld with hints of
limestone on the nose. The palate offers flavors of crisp
pear, apple, and peach accented by suggestions of white
blossom and minerals. A crisp Chardonnay, fans of lively
whites ought to try a bottle.
Rating: 87 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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