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Monterey Wine Tasting Notes
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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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1998 Mirassou Monterey County Pinot Blanc $16.00 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. " |
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1998 Mirassou Showcase Selection "Monterey County, Harvest Reserve" Chardonnay $32.00 Score: 90.0 "Tart melange of apricot and tropical fruit and spice, silky texture, long finish. Pair with fish, poultry, enchiladas. " |
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1998 Mirassou Coastal Selection Monterey County Chardonnay $12.00 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." |
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1998 Mirassou Monterey County Chardonnay $11.95 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." |
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1998 Mirassou Monterey County Pinot Blanc $16.00 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. " |
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