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.
Cantiga Wineworks 2000 Chardonnay (Monterey)
- $20
Toasty and rich, with pretty butterscotch, apricot, pear, hazelnut, citrus, melon and spice flavors. Round and full on the finish. —J.M.
— J.M.
(2/1/2003)
Concannon 2002 Reserve Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey)
- $18
This beautiful white wine has a dollop of Chardonnay added for richness, and it shows in the scent of white peach that accompanies the citrus notes. The texture is especially creamy and smooth, and it finishes with a trace of sweet lime.
— S.H.
(12/1/2003)
San Simeon 2001 Syrah (Monterey)
- $20
Rich and smooth, with finely-grained tannins framing ripe plum, blackberry, cocoa and sweet-coffee flavors. There’s a lot going on in this elegant, sophisticated wine.
— S.H.
(6/1/2005)
Morgan 2003 Sauvignon Blanc (Monterey)
- Best Buy
- $14
I don’t know if this is the Musque clone, but it’s all about gooseberries and bright Meyer lemon and lime flavors with mouth-searing acidity. Powerful finish, intensely clean, and a natural for food. Try with a salad of endive, pink grapefruit and sauteed scallops.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Morgan 2003 Cotes du Crow’s Red (Monterey)
- $22
Some Rhône blends burst with fruit. This one has cherries, but it’s an understated, elegant wine, dry and earthy-herbal, with dusty tannins. This blend of Grenache and Syrah has complexity and style.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Boyer 2004 Riesling (Monterey)
- Best Buy
- Online Exclusive
- $14
What a delightful wine. It’s low in alcohol but completely dry, with acidity that thoroughly cleanses the palate. The complex flavors suggest lime zest, pineapple, flowers and tangy metals, and last for a long time on the finish.
— S.H.
(12/1/2005)
San Simeon 2004 Pinot Gris (Monterey)
- $15
From an estate vineyard in the Arroyo Seco, balanced due to its coolish climate and rocky soils, this is a delicious wine. The bright acids frame juicy flavors of ripe peaches, figs and citrus fruits, with a long, clean, spicy finish.
— S.H.
(2/1/2006)
Morgan 2006 Metallico Chardonnay (Monterey)
- $22
Juicy acids and rich flavors of limes, green melons, kiwi and papayas star in this dry, unoaked Chard. The acidity gives the wine an exceptionally clean, vibrant mouthfeel.
— S.H.
(12/15/2007)
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