Chardonnay from California: Joel Gott Monterey Chardonnay 2008

Our Monterey Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel, keeping the wine clean and crisp—just like our favorite Chablis. The cool, breezy weather of Monterey Bay allows for a longer period of maturation which allows the grapes more time to develop classic varietal characteristics. The climate produces a Chardonnay with aromas of orange blossom, green apple, and citrus and with a bright acid structure. The vineyards of Monterey consistently provide ideal fruit and exemplify our winemaking goal: a natural balance between sugar and acidity. Because of the low yields from this vintage, the fruit had intensified aromas and flavors, creating a more full-bodied, weighty wine.

Pinot Blanc from Sonoma County, California: Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2008

The 2008 Pinot Blanc was whole-cluster pressed into stainless steel tanks and fermented at cool temperatures to preserve the varietal fruit aromas and flavors of the grapes. After fermentation portions of the wine lots were aged in French oak and Acacia wood barrels to enhance richness and provide additional complexity to the wine.

Aromas of honeysuckle, guava and Pink Lady apple are accented with hints of mineral and lychee. Integrated and rich fruit flavors of pears, apple and kiwi lead to a lengthy finish balanced.

This perfectly balanced Pinot Blanc pairs well with seafood, shellfish (particularly oysters), poultry, salads, fruits, light pastas and mild cheeses. Its structure and fruity flavors also complement spicy cuisine.

Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa: Thelema Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2008

A typical Thelema Sauvignon Blanc – lovely fresh melon and grapefruit flavors, with a full, grassy palate, all in perfect balance.

Grapefruit, melon and grass on the nose lead into a balanced, elegant array of tropical fruit, citrus and grass on the palate. All laced together with a dancing acidity and minerality, the wine is both refreshing and contemplative. Melon on the finish gives it extra luxury.

Chenin Blanc from South Africa: Raats Chenin Blanc 2007

This sublime bottling from Chenin master Bruwer Raats sets the standard for South African Chenin Blanc, consistently garnering 90+ Wine Spectator raves. A portion of the wine is fermented and aged in barrel, resulting in a rich, profound offering that strikes a perfect balance between elegance and power. Luscious flavors of honeyed pear, butterscotch, citrus, and ginger and delicate hints of mineral and spice carry through on the seemingly endless finish.

Very plump and enticing, with citrus peel, quince and golden apple notes followed by a round, fresh finish. Underlying minerality lends an elegant feel. Opens nicely in the glass. Drink now through 2009.

Rhone White Blends from Central Coast, California: Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Blanc 2008

The 2008 Côtes de Tablas Blanc is a blend in the style of French Cotes du Rhone whites, and features intense aromas of stone fruits and minerals, flavors of apricot and Provençal herbs, rich texture, moderate acidity and a long peachy finish.

Pair with Mussels Marinière, green salads with avocado and citrus dressing, scallops, ceviche, light fish (halibut, sole) with tropical salsa.

42% Viognier; 26% Roussanne; 21% Marsanne; 11% Grenache Blanc

Chardonnay from Burgundy, France: Joseph Drouhin Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche 2006

"An authentic masterpiece! This wine should be regarded as the yardstick by which all other Burgundies should be judged. The color has a splendid golden sheen. On the nose, a multitude of aromas are a pleasure to discover: floral notes of lily of the valley, peach blossom, exotic fruit, honey, grilled almonds, even exotic woods at times. On the palate, the structure is dominated by a harmonious roundness which never imparts any heaviness. The aftertaste is exceptionally long and enhances the finesse of the whole. A glorious symphony of sensations!"
-Veronique Boss-Drouhin

This world-famous estate belongs to one of the oldest and most aristocratic French families: the Marquis de Laguiche. Out of the 14 different owners, the Marquis de Laguiche family is propriétaire of the largest portion of Le Montrachet, entirely located in Puligny (according to many authorities, the better side). It has been in their hands since 1363.

It is ironical that the hillside of Montrachet, producing Burgundy's most prestigious white wine (and in some say the world's most complex), should look so unprepossessing. The etymology of the place-name is actually instructive : the word rachet refers to a poor type of soil where only scrawny bushes can grow. It is therefore on this "poor, hard, infertile" soil, which geologists call Bathonian limestone, that the Chardonnay grape develops this unique "terroir" character.

Montrachet is full bodied and luscious, yet elegant. It is only after a few years in bottle that it will develop its famous complexity and richness. Nose and aftertaste are reminiscent of exotic fruit, honey, liquorice, grilled almond and many other flavours which wine lovers over the years have attempted to analyse. But it is perhaps a musical word which can best describe this glorious wine: a symphony of sensations.

As good and refined as several of the foregoing wines are, this is the clear class of the cellar with moderate wood notes framing a fresh, intense and airy nose that sports impressive aromatic breadth while merging into exceptionally rich and intense full-bodied flavors that possess seemingly buckets of dry extract which gives the finish a textured and naturally sweet character. A wine of power yet excellent energy and focus and this too is both quite primary and youthfully austere at present. A potentially great Drouhin Montrachet. 94-96

Riesling from Central Coast, California: Oceana Riesling 2007

This is a dry-styled Riesling with just a hint of sweetness that offers enticing, fragrant aromas of ripe fig and peaches accented by hints of citrus and lovely honeysuckle.

On the graceful palate, the wine's bright key lime pie and peach flavors are heightened by a refreshing minerality that lingers through the crisp finish.