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Monterey Wine Tasting Notes
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2008 Main Street 97% Napa, 3% Monterey, Pinot Noir $10 Score: 84.0 Dry, with forward scents of sandalwood and cherry. Lean and dry on the palate, with slight astringency and strawberry-cherry flavors. |
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2006 Main Street 80% Monterey, 8% Santa Barbara, 7% Napa, 5% Lake, Merlot $10 Score: 87.0 A lovely Merlot with aromatic black cherry fruit, faint notes of black pepper and vanilla, soft tannins, and classic structure. Dry, with some delicacy, this is a fine antidote to the port-like fruit bombs currently passed off as Merlot. |
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2006 Main Street 54% Lake County, 24% Monterey County, 22% Santa Barbara County Cabernet Sauvignon $10 Score: 83.0 The dominant flavor of this light to medium-bodied Cab is black cherry, the oak is subtle, the tannins moderate, and there is a mineral edge to the finish. Pleasant enough, though the least varietally distinct of the Main Street line; it might be mistaken for a Merlot. |
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2008 Main Street 82% Santa Barbara, 18% Monterey, Chardonnay $10 Score: 89.0 Buttery, with appley fruit and a hint of caramel, velvety texture, full bodied, yet with pleasant acidity and a hint of mineral character. I?m astonished at the price of this wine, which delivers so much more than you?d expect at the price. Best served slightly chilled. |
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2008 Main Street Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc $10 Score: 92.0 This is one terrific SB, full bodied yet tart, with citrus and gooseberry flavors, a bit of classic ?cat piss? (if you have to ask, ignore the descriptor), subtle dried herbs and a long lemony finish with a mineral edge. Fine aromatics and balance. |
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Mirassou Monterey County Riesling $11 Score: 87.0 Despite the 5% Gewurztraminer and 2.5% Viognier, the varietal markers of tart apple and white peach shine through. Dry and well balanced, with reasonable alcohol (12.6%), it makes an easy aperitif, and pairs well with poultry, veal, pork or stronger flavored fish and shellfish, such as swordfish or shrimp. |
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Mosby Roc Michel Fremir Vineyard, Monterey County, [Syrah-Mourvedre blend], $22 Score: 89.0 This unusual non-vintage blend of Rhone varieties (Syrah and Mourvedre) is grown by Michael Mosby and vinified by Bill Mosby. The flavors span the gamut from cola to black cherry, molasses, milk chocolate and cinnamon. It's extremely well-balanced, with soft tannins and a silky mouthfeel. Only 900 cases produced. |
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2005 Bargetto Monterey County Gewurztraminer $14 Score: 89.0 Bargetto has been producing fine Gewurz for two decades. This one shows intense flavors of lichee, white peach and ginger in an off-dry style. It's best served chilled as an aperitif, though we also enjoyed a bottle with Vietnamese cuisine. |
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2004 Trinchero Family Monterey County Merlot $12 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. |
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1999 Blackstone Winery Monterey County Chardonnay $10.00 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." |
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1999 Robert Mondavi Coastal Monterey Johannisberg Riesling $9.00 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." |
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1998 Bernardus Monterey County Chardonnay $20.00 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." |
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1999 Jekel Vineyards Monterey Riesling $10.00 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." |
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1997 Mirassou Harvest Reserve Monterey County Merlot $18.00 Score: 88.0 "Black cherry fruit, nutmeg, toast, moderate tannin and a chewy, toasty finish." |
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1999 Bernardus Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc $15.00 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." |
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