San Simeon Monterey Chardonnay 2014
The frame is not as nimble as I might expect for a Monterey Chardonnay, which is generally a cooler climate AVA. The weight is in fact unctuous, fat, and even slightly oily, much like a light Sauternes—its legs cling to the sides of the glass. Aromatically, the primary expression is one of stone fruit, spice, […]
Windstream Sarmento Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2013
Windstream Sarmento Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2013″ width=”200″ height=”200″ /></a>One of San Antonio Winery’s brands, the Windstream Sarmento Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2013 shows considerable marine influence, given its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Glass-filling aromatics of rose petal and cinnamon bark. and dry leaves that crunch underfoot. The attack is bright and […]
Le P’tit Paysan L’Apiculteur Cedar Lane Vineyard Arroyo Seco Viognier 2013
From Ian Brand, the 2012 Le P’tit Paysan is 100% Viognier from Arroyo Seco. Penetrating aromas of honeysuckle, mandarin orange, and stone fruit. This is not a voluptuous Viognier, certainly the body and texture that are signature to the variety are there. This is Viognier stripped down to its core character, with a lean, coursing […]
La Balena Cucina Toscana & Foradori Fontanasanta
Dappled sunlight bathes La Balena’s patio in a warm and languid light, and, in spite of the fact that it’s mid-January here in Carmel, I’m regretting the jacket I’ve worn over my light cotton dress. A nearby fountain with a salt-stained patina, seated in front of a hedge of flowering Bougainvillea, lends the atmosphere to […]