Winemaker Notes
Metallico’s aromatics are intense with honeydew, white flowers, and chamomile. The palate has ripe fruit flavors of peach, papaya, and pineapple. This wine encompasses a light-medium body with bright acidity and a long finish. It’s a perfect accompaniment to shellfish and lighter summertime fare.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Minerally and pure aromas of lemon peel, flint, river stones and almonds. The palate is light- to medium-bodied with bright acidity, giving flavors of candied lime zest, peaches and nectarines. Very pure, refined and generous.
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Wine Enthusiast
The unoaked Chardonnay trend is abating, but versions like this one make a strong case for keeping at least a few examples in play. Sharp aromas of citrus, honeydew, guava and jasmine touch on tropicality without going overboard. The palate is remarkably fresh, offering citrus, melon and plumeria flavors.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.