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.
Thomas Fogarty 2000 Gewürztraminer (Monterey)
- $14
If more Gewürzes were like this, the varietal would be more popular. The bouquet shows explosive aromas of wildflowers, honey, jasmine, vanilla and citrus. Enormously fruity, but nicely dry, in the Alsatian style. Sturdy acidity meanwhile gives the wine life and pizzazz.
— S.H.
(11/15/2001)
JC Cellars 1999 Ventana Vineyards Syrah (Monterey)
- $30
Floral and peppery, with a strong herbaceous note similar to some Crozes-Hermitages, combined with red-berry fruit and notes of saddle leather. The thick mouthfeel verges on syrupy, carrying the sweet flavors through a bitter-espresso finish.
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
Baywood 1999 Grand Reserve Syrah (Monterey)
- $35
A tart-sweet fruit, smoke and dried spice bouquet opens this French-inspired Californian. Herb and bramble notes accent roasted red-berry flavors, as does an appealing, Rhônish smoked meatiness. An espresso-and- spice-rub finish with slight herb-metallic notes reinforces this Monterey offering’s Gallic profile. Very drinkable, it should be even better in two years.
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
Talbott 1998 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay (Monterey)
- $35
A touch of mint graces the tropical fruit-laden nose of this respected Monterey bottling. Fruit driven yet taut, the orange, pineapple, apple and herbal notes here show an earth-and-mineral complexity without the common overt oakiness. If you are fan of less-overtly oaked wines, this is a medium-weight, stylish offering with personality and fine balance.
— W.E.
(7/1/2001)
Morgan 2000 Chardonnay (Monterey)
- $20
Peach, melon, citrus and spice leave a bright and attractive finish here. Honeyed, toasty notes wrap it up. —J.M.
— J.M.
(5/1/2002)
Estancia 2000 Pinnacles Chardonnay (Monterey)
- Best Buy
- $13
Ripe pear, melon, citrus and apple form the core of this robust Chardonnay. It’s full-bodied, somewhat toasty, and tangy-rich at the end. A mineral edge adds balance. —J.M.
— J.M.
(5/1/2002)
Mirassou 2000 Coastal Selection Chardonnay (Monterey)
- Best Buy
- $11
Opens with intense, explosive notes of ultraripe tangerines, orange custard, baked meringue, vanilla and toast. This is clearly a ripe, oaky wine, and it holds its size well, thanks to zesty acidity. It’s flamboyant and delicious.
— S.H.
(12/15/2002)
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