White Wine of the Week
A Pick from Her VineNess
2011 Comanche Cellars Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, $30
Comanche Cellars is a relatively new venture by Michael Simons, Monterey native who crafts some really gorgeous wines from hand-selected vineyards in the AVA. The label is an homage to his favorite horse, Comanche: hence the horseshoes. Each wine from this boutique producer is meticulously delicious. This rich and impressive Chardonnay is made from two Arroyo Seco vineyards, Griva and Cedar Lane. It was barrel fermented, underwent full malo and was aged one year in new French oak barriques. Prior to its only racking, the lees were stirred monthly to develop roundness and complexity, imparting a generous mouthfeel and a long toasty-pleasant finish. Tantalizing aromas of butterscotch, pineapple and papaya lead to peppy flavors of peach cobbler and tangy, decadent lemon bars. It’s perfect for those who like their Chards, and their bread, with just the right amount of butter. Also available in 375ml ($15) and magnums, $60.
This wine can be purchased on the Comanche Cellars website at www.comanchecellars.com/2011-chardonnay.html
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Laura Ness, aka “Her VineNess,” has called the Santa Cruz Mountains home for more than 30 years. She loves hanging out with winemakers and winegrowers in their vineyards and cellars, drinking in their quirky, inspiring stories, and of course, their wines. She most enjoys sharing her experiences with people as besotted with wine and food as she is, and happily recommends good bottles of wine for your drinking pleasure.