One of the best chardonnays I have tasted…
Name: Mer Soleil Santa Lucia Highlands Reserve Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Producer: Mer Soleil Vineyard
Region/Country: Rutherford, California, USA
Grape Varietal(s): Chardonnay
Consumed: At home
Recommended by: A colleague
Cost: 34.95 CAD
Bottle Presentation: Colourful, distinct yellow label. Stands out on the shelf.
Appearance: Nice golden colour.
Nose: Peaches, tropical fruits, and popcorn.
Taste: Lemon, vanilla, nice oak “toastiness,” nutty, some minerality and acidity, and maybe some pineapple. I had it with homemade tomato, green onion, and parmesan cheese Risotto. I also used a cup of this wine in preparing the dish, which likely contributed to the near perfect pairing. This wine is not too buttery like many new world oaked chardonnays, and it had a nice amount of acidity. I also enjoy drinking this wine on its own (in fact, I’m having a glass as I write this review).
Finish: Very long caudalies, enjoyable, nutty, a little minerality, and lemon. I encourage you to smell the enduring aroma(s) when your glass is empty.
Overall impression: An outstanding chardonnay. I will definitely buy it again and would consider making this my house chardonnay.
Rating: 93/100
Value: 3.75 out of 5. It’s a little on the pricey side, but well worth it in my opinion. Saying that, I found it better than some more expensive Californian chardonnays I have had.