Mer Soleil 2017 "Silver" Unoaked Chardonnay Monterey

A light gossamer gold, the 2017 vintage opens with clean, fresh scents of kiwi, citrus zest, and nectarine. A mineral character calls to mind the rock formations found inside caves. Crisp entry leads into a striking softness and creamy texture. The flavor of lemon squares offers a perfect balance, neither too tart nor too sweet. A faint smokiness is characteristic of wines made from grapes grown in windier stretches of Monterey County. The finish features traces of lemon and lime, filling the mouth with bright notes and lingering freshness.

"Mer Soleil began in the late 1980s, with a journey to the central coast of California in search of ideal conditions to plant Chardonnay. Our first vineyards were in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a small but exceptional appellation about a 30-minute drive from Monterey. With morning fog, bright sunshine and howling gusts of afternoon wind, the region’s dramatic weather leads to an extended growing season, enabling us to make wines with distinctive aromas and flavors."