2011 Unoaked Chardonnay

We believe that the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation in Monterey County is the best appellation in the world for producing Chardonnay. This region benefits from cool morning fog and afternoon breezes that result in a long growing season, producing intense tropical fruit flavors balanced with vibrant acidity. In 2011, the cool weather pattern throughout spring and summer brought about an extended growing season which resulted in slow ripening, lighter yields and smaller berries – perfect conditions to produce Chardonnay grapes with concentrated fruit characters and nice, bright acidity.

Mer Soleil Silver is a pure, clean expression of our Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay. The wine is fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel and small Nomblot cement tanks that are imported from France and feature state-of-the-art technology. The unlined tanks are made from natural limestone-based cement, so temperatures are kept stable while still allowing a small amount of oxygen contact to enhance flavor development, similar to aging in an oak barrel. Our unique ceramic bottle is reminiscent of the cement fermenters that enhance this wine so beautifully, and continues to preserve the bright, fresh fruit characters.

Tasting Notes:

Bright minerality and fresh-cut hay qualities are apparent on the nose, followed by zesty citrus and stone-fruit notes. Seamless fruit flavors of grapefruit, lemon and gooseberry shine through on the mid-palate, complemented by a crisp acidity that carries through from start to finish. The higher acidity in this wine makes it a perfect accompaniment to a wide array of food, particularly fresh summer salads, grilled seafood, tomato-based dishes and guacamole.

“What I love most about this wine is that it has a true sense of place, by fermenting and aging without oak, you allow the flavor influences from the vineyard to really shine through”

Charlie Wagner II
Winemaker

Release date: June 2012