2008 Riesling, Monterey $19.00

This is a single vineyard Riesling from the deep, stone and gravel riverbed soils of the western Monterey wine country. The dryness of the 2008 season combined with early, damaging frosts severely limited crop levels and wine yields to well below historical norms throughout the region. A 67 day fermentation at a steady 55 degrees Fahrenheit yielded this delicately floral, yet succulently ripe Riesling, striking a rare balance of sweetness, acidity and minerality seldom achieved in California. DRG 2/09

2008 Gewurztraminer, LIMITED. Monterey $15.00

While it is true that Gewurztraminer is an international variety grown in Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, South America and North America it is also true that this is a rare variety produced in small quantities overall. Almost half of California's plantings are found in Monterey, where this wine was grown. The juice of these ripe, pink grapes, cold fermented, has produced a highly perfumed, balanced, richly full bodied white wine with exotic flavors of lychees and highly scented roses. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. 352 cases produced. DRG 11/08

2008 Chardonnay $20.00

When I made wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains in the '70's and '80's the scarcity of grapes in the stellar region drove some winemakers north seeking fruit while others, including me, looked south.  Monterey; "Steinbeck Country", today produces most of our white wines including this delectable Chardonnay.  Cold fermented and aged for one year in stainless steel prior to bottling here is a fruit forward rendition of America's favorite white wine with appealing green apple, white peach and baked pear nuances.  Enjoy over the next 2-3 years.  DRG 11/09

2008 Chenin Blanc, Monterey $16.00

This is a single vineyard Chenin Blanc from a wind-swept landscape lying among the far eastern uplands of Monterey. Growing at the very northern edge of their viticultural range these grapes always ripen at end of the season and were harvested on October 21. Cold fermented for 55 days the new wine was held on the yeast lees for two additional months. It is a dry wine of almost exotic complexity with notes of honey, flowers, ripe pears and quince, wrapped in a truly silky texture with a long, seamless, mineral infused finish. DRG 2/09