Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2013 Reserve
The Wagner family legacy of winemaking has been carried on for three generations. The family’s deep roots of farming grapes and producing wine began in 1915 in the Napa Valley. Charlie F. Wagner and Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, along with their son, Chuck, established Caymus Vineyards in 1972. Chuck saw great potential for producing quality wines outside of the Napa Valley as well, and by 1988, Chuck began planting land in the Santa Lucia Highlands. This appellation, located in Monterey County, is along the cooler coastline, yielding early ripening for Chardonnay. Mer Soleil Chardonnay became the product of this quality chosen site, and has been run by Chuck’s eldest son, Charlie F. Wagner II, since 2001.
The Mer Soleil Vineyard is named for two natural forces that create its growing conditions: sea (mer) and sun (soleil). With plantings at two separate locations in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation of Monterey County, Mer Soleil’s Chardonnay vines are nestled on east-facing lower slopes of the Sierra de Salinas range in what is one of the coolest, driest grape growing areas in California.
Opening a bottle, which is unlike a typical CA Chardonnay, the color is a deep golden yellow with complex aromas of citrus, stone fruits and yeasty notes. The palate displayed round flavors of lemons, peaches, mangos and subtle oak. The wine continues to develop and some buttery toast hits as the wine yields to an aftertaste. Well balanced with lively acidity and some minerality on the lingering finish. Well done!
Cheers!