Monterey County is noted as a fine site for Chardonnay and other varieties that thrive in cooler weather. On a daily basis, the inland reaches of the Salinas Valley heat up and cause the air to rise, drawing in cold marine air from the deep waters of Monterey Bay. The 2019 Ocean Breeze is a luscious and smooth Chardonnay with a fine balance. It shows ripe apple and pineapple fruit, hints of vanilla and spice from barrel aging, and the classic buttery richness typical of Monterey Chardonnays.
Ocean Breeze, Monterey County (California) Chardonnay 2019
By Wayne Belding