Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Subtle aromas of lemon peel, Asian pear and honeysuckle draw the nose into this bottling from an iconic vineyard. A bright spritz of lime and a firm tension meet with underripe pineapple and sea salt on the palate.
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James Suckling
A rather dense and fruity chardonnay with lots of richness with yogurt, cooked apple and nuttiness. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and a straightforward finish. A little old school, but plenty going on for those of you who like full-throttled chards. Drink now.
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Wine Spectator
Opens with notes of vanilla creme anglaise and rich toast backed by spice accents of nutmeg and ginger, with flavors of lemon curd and baked apple pastry that are polished and smooth, followed by a fresh finish that shows hints of crisp apple and pear. Drink now. 2,991 cases made.
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.