Mer Soleil, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Chardonnay 2017

 With its deep golden color, powerful aromatics, generous fruit flavors and satisfying finish, this is indeed a big wine in every sense of the word.  Happily, there is more here than just brawn.  The combination of good winemaking and cool winds blowing off the Pacific keeps this Chardonnay from being too aggressive.  A touch of oak adds a little spice to the ensemble, and just enough acidity on the finish balances everything nicely.  With its creamy, buttery qualities, this Chardonnay partners well with butter-infused shellfish as well as with fried chicken, buttered corn on the cob, and Pasta Alfredo.