Tag Archives: Monterey County

WENTE RIVA RANCH CHARDONNAY 2012, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California

04 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, White Wines

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Wente

Cost: $21.95
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Arroyo Seco, Monterey County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Wente Vineyards
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Every thing I love about a great Chard: Rich, creamy, balanced & full body, all the qualities you find in a wine double the price.

Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features toasted buttered oak, Easter Lily, lemon tart, peach, pineapple, mango, toffee, crème brûlée, roasted marshmallows, cream corn and vanilla. Full body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Although I quite like Wente’s entry level Chard; Morning Fog that I reviewed previously, for $4 more this wine exceeds expectations.

Thanks to my daughter Sarah as this was an early father’s day present from her.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Roasted Quail with brioche and chorizo stuffing.

Tasted: 13 June 2015

Top Pick & Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO: 979344

ESSER CHARDONNAY 2012, Monterey County, California, United States

08 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Non LCBO Wine, White Wines

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chardonnay-large

Cost: $18.99 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location Tortuga, Cayman Islands
Country: United States
Region: Monterey County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Esser
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A quality Monterey County Chard for under $20

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features light toasted oak, lemon rind, pineapple, peach, oak spice, ginger, pink grapefruit, passion fruit and limestone. Medium+ body body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Slight bitterness on the finish

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Pineapple Chicken with Ginger and Bok Choy.

Tasted: 8 June 2015

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

BRIDLEWOOD PINOT NOIR 2012, Monterey County, California, United States

11 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by in Red Wines

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Pinot

Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Monterey County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bridlewood Estate Winery
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

Not a typical varietal or regional character & this will appeal to those that like the sweeter red style wines

Description: Light ruby with garnet overtones in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features smoked-caramelized oak, maraschino cherry, cinnamon, vanilla and bramble pie. Full body with low tannins and acidity and an average length.

Negatives: Too sweet for me and the 14% alcohol is noticeable

Drink now on its own or pair it with Chinese BBQ Ribs

Tasted: 10 April 2015

Score: 7/10, Value: 6/10 Total: 13/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 2.5+

LCBO: 361824