The Monterey
Tasted Friday, January 14, 2011 by Nutty08 with 690 views
Great hosting by the Monterey, a new place in town that is fast becoming my favorite restuarant, for the wine and food.
Impressive lineup of chardonnays, with the Aubert “twins” being my favorites of the night.
The syrahs were interesting, but none had the pepper and earthy feel that I really like in my syrahs. Maybe they were too young and this will come out with time when the baby fat fades
The CdP’s were certainly my red wines of the night, with many in the group liking the Pegau quite a bit. A really spectacular CdP, I’m glad I have 2 more, but wish I could have purchased more at the time.
Big thanks to everyone for their generous contributions, this was certainly a very impressive lineup of wines! Can’t wait till lamb/syrah weekend….
2008 Kongsgaard Chardonnay 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Buttery oaky tropical fruit nose that was quite intoxicating. Big palate, lush and mouth coating with low acidity and a slightly heavy feel, with dense concentrated ripe fruits that continue on through a long finish. No hard edges and highly polished. I really liked this, though the Aubert’s were a level above.
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2007 Chasseur Chardonnay Green Acres Hill Sangiacomo Vineyard 92 Points
USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Not a producer I was familiar with. Tight nose, with a mineral element, ripe tropical fruit flavors with a hint of pineapple, pomegranate and apricot. Long finish with a hint of bitterness to the oak. Nice acidity, needs some time. Will look forward to more of these in the future.
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2005 Aubert Chardonnay Reuling Vineyard 95 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Quite an experience. Popped and poured. I preferred it right after opening, as the fruit faded slightly and the oak became more prominent. Nose of lemon zest, lime, and creamy vanilla. An explosion of ripe fruits on the palate, densely concentrated, with a round, lush, velvety mouthfeel, but lithe and balanced without any sense of heaviness. Just glides across the palate. Incredibly long complex finish with a mineral note coming through. Delicious chardonnay that is probably the best cali chardonnay iv even had.
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2005 Aubert Chardonnay Lauren Estate Vineyard 94 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Where the Reuling was a rock concert on this night, the Lauren was more like a symphony. Nose was more expressive, with a stony, creamy vanilla character, with lemon and apricot notes. Subtle, where the Reuling was flamboyant. Great burst of wet stone and rock on the palate, that carries on through a lengthy finish. Again, great acidity and mouthfeel—seamless. Dialed down a bit compared to the Reuling, but while I preferred the style, might have found more complexity in this more subtle wine in a more laid back atmosphere, with more time to spend with the wine.
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2007 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Walker Station 92 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
More prominent acidity than the other Chards, with a more prominent citrus element and a creamier oak character. Had a warm tropical fruit profile and was noticeably concentrated. Missed any mineral character, but it was served quite cold and didn’t get to spend much time with it. Even so, was quite good.
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2006 Sine Qua Non Autrement Dit 75 Points
USA, California
I really didn’t get this wine. Maybe was better closer to release? Very concentrated frit with lots of heat and a medicinal note on the nose that was detectable in the palate and off-putting. Some strawberry mixed in. Had trouble getting it down. Overdone or over the hill, or both. Also could have been served too warm.
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2009 Herb Lamb Sauvignon Blanc EII Napa Valley White Wine 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Grassy mineral nose, with good fruit and a nice mineral tone underneath. Would be great with food, but didn’t care for it alone (not unusual for me and sav blanc). But, varietally correct with good balance and refreshing acidity.
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