Monterey

SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS, MONTEREY COUNTY: The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is arguably the most consistent, high tier region for Pinot Noir in the world. A unique yet amazing combination of a dry, arid climate combined with the cool, coastal influence is a dichotomy that challenges conventional farming methods and opens the door to creating profound Pinot Noir. While the Santa Lucia Highlands lack the typical cool climate characteristics of ample fog and rainfall, the desert conditions, afternoon...

Notes: Rich, dark garnet in color. This Pinot boasts aromas of dark berry notes such as blackberry, cherry and strawberry followed by hints of wild herb and rich dark chocolate. Smooth flavors of ripe plum, black currant jam, and strawberry filling well balanced with roasted almonds and a touch of vanilla. Bright acidity and soft tannins lead to a long, satisfying finish. Pairs well with everything from roasted lamb with grilled vegetables to dark chocolate covered strawberries. ...

Our Gavilan wines take their name from Monterey County’s magnificent Gavilan Mountain Range. We harvest the grapes for our Gavilan Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Chalone appellation, which lies on one of the range’s wild, isolated mountain plateaus. Gavilán means “sparrow hawk” in Spanish; hawks, condors and mountain lions are among our vineyard’s wild residents. Our Gavilan wines show fruity, approachable character primarily from younger vines, while our cellar-worthy Chalone Estate wines...

NOTES: District 7 is all that Monterey as a winegrowing region has to offer. The number refers to our official regional designation within the state of California, but District 7 is much more than just a prime number. Most experts recognize Monterey County as one of the most beautiful and diverse winegrowing regions in the world with complex soils and coastal weather patterns. Our winemaking team reaps the benefits of the exceptional fruit we produce, creating wines that are fruit forward,...

VINEYARDS:We’re convinced that the world’s best wines showcase the true essence of their origins. We grew the fruit for this Chardonnay in our Pinnacles Vineyard, on the east side of Salinas Valley at the base of the Gabilan Mountains. Cooled by morning fog and far enough from the Monterey Bay to get a long, daily dose of sun, this west-facing vineyard, planted at 300 feet in elevation, has proven itself to be an ideal site for Burgundian varieties, including Chardonnay. Known for its...

VINEYARDS:The biggest influence on the climate of Monterey County vineyards is invisible, yet its effects are undeniable. Under the surface of Monterey Bay lies a canyon that is two miles deep, sixty miles long, and filled with cold water. This canyon generates cool Pacific air, which is then funneled through the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges. This natural air conditioning results in slow and gentle ripening—an ideal climate for Pinot Noir grapes.To preserve the delicate fruit and...

SCENTS OF: Fig, pear, and butterscotch FLAVORS OF: Pineapple, Citrus Fruits, Melon WINEMAKER’S NOTES: The extended growing season of this renowned coastal region produces deeply concentrated fruit with pronounced flavors and fragrance. Malolactic fermentation and lees aging develop the wine’s full, round palate, marrying vibrancy with creamy richness.

THIS VINTAGE’S GRAPES: In 2018 we selected grapes from Monterey, Sonoma and Yolo counties to create a full bodied Pinot Noir The 2018 growing season in California was moderate, providing consistent growing conditions and cool temperatures After experiencing spring rain and intermittent heat in June, harvest in Sonoma County started two weeks later than usual and produced increased yields of densely flavored fruit In Yolo County, harvest yields were slightly smaller than the previous vintage...

Tasting Notes:The J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay exhibits youthful hues of light straw. The enticing aromas are reminiscent of ripe orange, fresh nectarine, and hazelnut, which are complemented by the palate flavors of apricot, ripe peach, and honey. The rich texture and balance on the palate from aging sur lie gives way to flavors of vanilla, citrus cream, and a hint of oak on the long finish. Food Pairings: This wine can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, including Dijon tarragon chicken,...

Notes: The 2020 Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc is pale yellow in color and displays aromas of honeysuckle, sweet herbs, lime, and fig. These aromas are complemented on the palate by the bright flavors of grapefruit, kiwi, passionfruit, and lemongrass, with the rich texture and long finish provided by the acacia barrels. Food Pairings: Serve as an aperitif with goat cheese, oysters, or sardines, or enjoy as an entrée with sushi, sashimi, or baked tilapia with Thai basil. ...

VINTAGE: Rainfall was about 75% of normal for the 2018 growing season, which was characterized by a cool spring in Monterey County. Cool, foggy mornings and evenings, with daytime highs in the 80s through the summer, provided optimum weather for slow ripening and aromatic expression of the delicate Pinot Noir grape. Warmer weather in late September and early October provided the final push for ripening of this vintage, which is showing exceptional aromatic complexity and bright acidity in the...

Tasting Notes: Deliciously crisp with vibrant fruit aromas and subtle spice notes. Layers of apricot, peach and Anjou pear intermingle with bursts of aromatic jasmine delivering a delightful finish. Composition:98.5% Riesling1.5% Orange MuscatAlcohol: 12.5%TA: 0.66 g/100mlpH: 3.19

EXCEPTIONAL GRAPES: The 2020 growing season in Monterey was relatively cool. Spring rains delayed bloom but provided much-needed soil moisture. Cool to moderate temperatures were the norm throughout summer and brought hopes for a balanced and flavorful crop. Late summer heat spikes gave berries the final push to develop concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. Our Monterey Rosé of Pinot Noir harvest began on September 11th, when flavors, acids, and sugars were in perfect harmony. ARTISAN...

Notes: Never seeing the inside of an oak barrel, Mer Soleil SILVER is a clean expression of Chardonnay. It is fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel and small concrete tanks imported from Burgundy, France. Fresh from start to finish, this wine features aromas of flower blossoms and crisp pears. It is round and layered on the palate, with vibrant acidity and depth.

TASTING NOTES: Aromatic layers of citrus fruits such as key lime and lemon peel greet the nose, followed by soft vanilla notes. A crisp front palate gives way to tropical honeydew melon flavors that are complemented by hints of peach and white nectarine, followed by an elegant and long-lasting finish. FOOD PAIRINGS: This wine pairs perfectly with an oven baked halibut served with a light salad of corn, fresh tomatoes and basil. A creamy summer risotto with vegetables would also lend well to...

This Cabernet Sauvignon blends the craftsmanship of California winemaking with the Southern tradition of Bourbon Whiskey aging, resulting in an incredibly bold sensory expression. Deep, rich ruby red in color, it opens with concentrated aromas of blackberry cobbler, ripe dark berries, graham cracker, brown sugar, vanilla, milk chocolate, and toasty oak with notes of coffee and smoke. Flavors of ripe blackberry cobbler, blueberry pie, praline, sweet vanilla custard, brown sugar, caramel, and...

Sunny with a Chance of Flowers is a healthy lifestyle wine created to make you feel good inside and out. Zero sugar, low calorie, low alcohol and flat-out delicious, it seems too good to be true. But Sunny is the real deal – better for you and mindfully made. Sustainably farmed and produced by a family-owned winery in Monterey County, California, Sunny is made for those who revel in a full glass and a balanced pour! WINEMAKING: Winemaker Casey Di Cesare likes to say that flavors are made in...

Sunny with a Chance of Flowers is a healthy lifestyle wine created to make you feel good inside and out. Zero sugar, low calorie, low alcohol and flat-out delicious, it seems too good to be true. But Sunny is the real deal – better for you and mindfully made. Sustainably farmed and produced by a family-owned winery in Monterey County, California, Sunny is made for those who revel in a full glass and a healthy pour! WINEMAKING: Winemaker Casey DiCesare likes to say that flavors are made in the...

Tasting Notes: Tribute Pinot Noir is elegant & fruit-forward with aromas of wild strawberry, ripe plum, and black cherry. Notes of bright red fruit, clove and vanilla come alive on the palate, and are met with a smooth velvety finish. The Pinot Noir is cold soaked for 2-4 days, fermented cold, and aged in French & Hungarian oak.

Tasting Notes: Though our estate vineyard shares the same soil as the SLH AVA- Arroyo Gravelly Loam and Hanford Gravelly Sandy Loam- its slightly lower altitude gives it a unique microclimate with cooler nights and warmer days. Deep and dense, the 2015 San Saba Pinot Noir has expansive aromas of spice box that join forest floor and cherry cola on the nose. Structured, vibrant, and savory, this rich Pinot Noir offers bold flavors of spicy dark fruit along with layers of pleasing earthiness and...