Wines from Monterey
Established in 1984, the Monterey AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in eastern Monterey County, California. With approximately 40,000 acres under vine, this large wine region encompasses the entire Salinas Valley, as well as part of Carmel Valley. The northern portion remains rather cool with a relatively long growing season lending itself to Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes. The southern part of the Monterey AVA can reach up to 100 degrees at times and is known more for wines produced from traditional Bordeaux red varieties according to our Monterey Wine Guide. Within Monterey are the smaller sub-regions of Arroyo Seco AVA, Hames Valley AVA, San Bernabe AVA, San Lucas AVA, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA which are mostly known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines as noted in our Monterey Wine Ratings. With a focus on tourism and hospitality, Monterey was also named one of the top 10 Wine Travel Destinations by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Check out our Monterey Wine Guide below for more information on the region.
Morgan 2001 Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey)
- $14
This is an extremely grassy wine. It suggests hay, straw and juniper berry, with riper notes of honeydew and cantaloupe. It’s very dry and tartly crisp. Lots of new, charry oak adds complexity and softening, and the wine has an interesting finish. —S.H.
— S.H.
(3/1/2003)
Jekel 2000 Syrah (Monterey)
- $15
A big, thick wine, but not a clumsy one. Filled with plummy, peppery, blackberry flavors and pronounced but easy tannins.
— S.H.
(10/1/2003)
Ca' del Solo 2002 Malvasia Bianca (Monterey)
- Best Buy
- $13
A unique interpretation of a unique varietal in California, this wine brims with the aromas of apricots, orange blossoms, peaches and buttery vanilla. You expect it to explode in sweetness in the mouth, but it doesn’t. It is very dry and intense, and very tart with acidity, so that after the initial shock wears off, you find yourself savoring it, right through the…
— S.H.
(3/1/2004)
Stony Ridge Winery 2000 Reserve Johannisberg Riesling (Monterey)
- Best Buy
- $10
Pretty, opening with a rich perfume of wildflower, honeysuckle, apricot, tangerine, peach, vanilla, honey and smoke. Flavorful and savory, with lovely fruity notes accompanied by crisp acidity. Finishes clean and off-dry.
— S.H.
(12/31/2003)
Hahn 2003 Merlot (Monterey)
- $14
Rich and oaky, this Merlot features flavors of blackberries, cherries and chocolate, although it’s fully dry and not too powerful in alcohol. This is a good price for a full-bodied red of this class.
— S.H.
(11/1/2005)
Raymond 2003 Chardonnay (Monterey)
- Best Buy
- $13
Here’s a super-drinkable Chard. It’s rich in jazzy lime custard, mango, peach and vanilla honey flavors, accompanied by bright acidity, all of it wrapped in a creamy texture. This is a great price for such a good wine.
— S.H.
(11/1/2005)
Mandolin 2005 Riesling (Monterey)
- Best Buy
- $10
I dislike sweetness in Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and other whites that should be dry, but there’s something about Riesling that makes it work. This one is perceptibly sweet, yet it’s luscious. Acidity helps balance, and the flower blossom, green apple, peach, mineral and petrol flavors love that honeyed edge. Just lovely, and a great buy.
— S.H.
(9/1/2007)
San Simeon 2006 Pinot Gris (Monterey)
- Online Exclusive
- $19
Here’s a polished, elegant white for shellfish, roast chicken and grilled vegetables, or just by itself as a cocktail sipper. It’s bone dry and quite high in acidity, with mineral, peach, lemon, lime and white pepper flavors.
— S.H.
(3/1/2008)
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