2014 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay, California, USA

Monaterey is one of the World’s best cool-climate appellations with long, long valley, both pastoral and austere. On one end, the Monterey bay— dramatically deep, unusually cold. On the other, Central California, rich in history and agriculture. Throughout, a brisk, ever-present breeze that rises from the ocean and cools both fi¬elds of produce and expansive, rolling vineyards. This is Monterey—rocky, windswept, and unrestrained.

A cool climate means grapes spend more time on the vine. That allows a deeper, more dramatic spectrum of flavours and aromas to develop. And that creates decidedly rich and layered wines. Monterey has one of the longest, coolest growing seasons in California—and 2014 was especially so. As a result of a mild winter and a warm spring, harvest began roughly two weeks earlier than normal. Throughout harvest, the weather cooperated beautifully, allowing the grapes ample sunshine to achieve optimal ripeness and flavour development, while cooling breezes helped to maintain the vibrant acidity.

The wine opens with layered aromas of jasmine, tropical fruit, fresh white peach and ripe citrus. On the palate, flavours of melon and ripe pear take centre stage, framed by hints of mango, vanilla custard and wet river stone. A broad mouthfeel beautifully balances the juicy acidity. Drink now.

Elizabeth Grant-Douglas – Winemaker: ‘Bright citrus, apricot and honeydew scents. Yellow plum, tropical fruit, crisp apple and baking soda flavours. A rich mouthful plus juicy acidity.’