Monterey Wine Tasting Notes

2004 Trinchero Family
Monterey County Merlot
Score: 85.0
An enticing nose of cherry and raspberry jam and allspice, dry and somewhat austere on the palate, with soft tannins and good acidity. Drink now through 2012.

1999 Blackstone Winery
Monterey County Chardonnay
Score: 92.0
"WHITE WINE OF THE MONTH An extraordinary value, the Blackstone Chardonnay delivers the elegance and balance you expect (though rarely find) in wines three times the price. Silky smooth, it delivers fresh, lemony fruit with seamless integration of oak tones and a scintillating mineral edge in the finish. A real find; go out and buy and case or two."

1999 Robert Mondavi Coastal
Monterey Johannisberg Riesling
Score: 89.0
"Tasted blind, I thought this Riesling was dry. The numbers indicate 2.4% residual sugar, but its so well balanced that it sure tastes dry. Spritzy, tart, with crisp green apple and honeydew fruit, mineral notes and light astringency through the finish."

1998 Bernardus
Monterey County Chardonnay
Score: 88.0
"There are few wines more distinctive than Monterey County Chardonnays. This one is medium-bodied and buttery, with light oak spice, tropical fruit (papaya and pineapple) character, and good length. Best of all is the sexy, seductive, silky smooth texture that makes you want to come back for more. Lovely."

1999 Jekel Vineyards
Monterey Riesling
Score: 91.0
"One of the best Rieslings from America, this shows classic apple character coupled with the mineral complexity and scintillating acidity, and light sweetness. Very fine apertif or pair with fish."

1997 Mirassou Harvest Reserve
Monterey County Merlot
Score: 88.0
"Black cherry fruit, nutmeg, toast, moderate tannin and a chewy, toasty finish."

1999 Bernardus
Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc
Score: 96.0
"A stunning Sauvignon Blanc - a bright gooseberry and lime nose, mineral, lime, subtle hers and the barest hint of oak on the palate. Crisp, dry and long. Impressive."

1998 Mirassou
Monterey County Pinot Blanc
Score: 88.0
"Exceptional Pinot Blanc with rich pear, vanilla and light toast flavors, crisp acidity, soft texture and full body. The acidity makes it a natural for shell-fish or pork dishes. "

1998 Mirassou Showcase Selection
"Monterey County, Harvest Reserve" Chardonnay
Score: 90.0
"Tart melange of apricot and tropical fruit and spice, silky texture, long finish. Pair with fish, poultry, enchiladas. "

1998 Mirassou Coastal Selection
Monterey County Chardonnay
Score: 89.0
"The nose comes at you in waves-pear, toast, nicely balanced spice- following through to the palate with tart acidity, some honey notes and a pleasant sour finish."

1998 Mirassou
Monterey County Chardonnay
Score: 92.0
"The best Chardonnay Mirassou has ever made, it has marvelously complex tropical fruit (pineapple, guava, apple) with fully integrated oak, a touch of spice, a silky texture and a long finish. Great balance and structure for pairing with a wide range of foods. Excellent value."

1998 Mirassou
Monterey County Pinot Blanc
Score: 88.0
"Exceptional Pinot Blanc with rich pear, vanilla and light toast flavors, crisp acidity, soft texture and full body. The acidity makes it a natural for shell-fish or pork dishes. "

1998 Mirassou Showcase Selection
"Monterey County, Harvest Reserve" Chardonnay
Score: 90.0
"Tart melange of apricot and tropical fruit and spice, silky texture, long finish. Pair with fish, poultry, enchiladas. "

1998 Mirassou Coastal Selection
Monterey County Chardonnay
Score: 89.0
"The nose comes at you in waves-pear, toast, nicely balanced spice- following through to the palate with tart acidity, some honey notes and a pleasant sour finish."

1998 Mirassou
Monterey County Chardonnay
Score: 92.0
"The best Chardonnay Mirassou has ever made, it has marvelously complex tropical fruit (pineapple, guava, apple) with fully integrated oak, a touch of spice, a silky texture and a long finish. Great balance and structure for pairing with a wide range of foods. Excellent value."