Mer Soleil Vineyard Central Coast, Monterey County

Mer Soleil Vineyard is a partnership between Chuck and his son Charlie Wagner II (of Caymus fame), who is winemaker. It is the northernmost site of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation (Monterey County, California) and the closest vineyard in the appellation to Monterey Bay. With its ocean influences, morning fog patterns and afternoon breezes, it is one of the coolest, driest vineyard sites in California. The extended growing season - harvesting typically continues into November - produces ripe, golden Chardonnay clusters with multiple aromas and flavours. Charlie also makes Mer Soleil LATE, a late-harvest dessert wine made from Viognier and first released in fall 2002

Chardonnay 2008 Central Coast Mer Soleil Chardonnay is made to express the generous, sun-ripened, tropical flavours of California. The original intent, with the 1992 vintage, was to produce a big, weighty, oaky blockbuster of a Chardonnay, but as time went on, the vineyard began to produce wines that were somewhat different. Rather than being firm and oaky, the wines showed more softness and spice. Flavour is the major force of Mer Soleil. We view this wine as a distinctive California style, standing apart from Chablis and other Chardonnays from Burgundy. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed and the wine is barrel fermented and aged in French oak barrels. Aromas of mango, lemon peel, honeysuckle and brown spices emerge from the glass. In the mouth, an immediate impression of ripe tropical fruits, butter, vanilla and honey. As the wine coats the tongue, a crisper note of citrus unfolds. The texture is dense and viscous, and the ripe-fruit sweetness and fresh acidity interplay as the wine lingers on the palate long after the last sip. "Medium-light golden colour; attractive, refined, floral, honeyed, poached pear and tropical fruit aroma with hints of jasmin and botrytis; full body; big, forward, rich, plush, ripe tropical fruit flavours with a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste. Very enjoyable to drink now. Very highly recommended." 91 points, California Grapevine, Dec 2009/Jan 2010

"Silver" Unoaked Chardonnay 2010 Santa Lucia Highlands The name Mer Soleil is synonymous with the complex, oaky, toasty, buttery style of California chardonnay that we adore, but what would the wine be like without that layer of flavour? Well, this is it. A pure, stainless steel fermented un-oaked version of the famous Chardonnay. It shows a pure, minerally Monterey style, with vibrant fruit and acidity. This wine opens with a mineral-driven nose with citrus shining through. Cement tank fermentation and aging bring out aromas remindful of the first rain of the season or a wet rock. Soft and round on the entry with an acidic backbone tells you that these grapes are grown in a cooler climate. The mid-palate reveals ripe fruit such as lemons, gooseberries and grapefruits. It finishes dry while the acidity comes and goes in a balanced fashion. Laser sharp minerality carries through from start to finish on both palate and aroma.

Visit Mer Soleil Vineyard and Winery

All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.

Read the small print for more information.