Monterey wineries had an impressive showing at the recently completed 2012 SF Chronicle competition, once confirming that this AVA has “Pinot Power” in spades. And let’s not forget all the gorgeous Chardonnay that flows like golden sunshine from the vine-threaded hillsides.
It was Double Gold for Wrath for their 2009 “Fermata” chardonnay, $34.99, Double Gold for Paraiso’s 2009 SLH estate pinot, $24.99, Double Gold for Scheid’s 2009 Estate pinot noir ($32), and Double Gold for Hahn SLH Estate 2010 pinot noir ($34.99).
Proving Winemaker Sabrine Rodems has the golden touch when it comes to pinot, Wrath took Gold for both the 2009 Pommard 4/667 and 115/667 pinots, $34.99. 
CRU scored Gold for their Vineyard Montage pinot, $23. Mendelson Vineyard (Napa) took their 2008 Doctor’s vineyard pinot to Double Gold, and the 2009 version to Gold in the $35 to $40 category.
Bernardus took Silver for their SLH pinot in this category, as did Wrath for their 2009 “Ex Vite” pinot, Monterey appellation. This is a fabulously bright wine, overflowing with strawberry and rhubarb pie, with no wood to get in the way. It was fermented in neutral barrels.
Truckee River Wine Company, a humble little spot I’ve enjoyed visiting up by the Truckee airport, turned their 2007 Garys’ Vineyard pinot into Double Gold, and the 2008 into Gold, both in the $40 to $49 category. Vision Cellars pulled off a Gold for their 2008 Rosella’s pinot, and Silvers for both their 2009 Los Alturas and Garys’ pinots ($48). Sonnet Cellars scored a Double Gold for their awesome 2009 Tondre pinot ($34.99).
Hahn SLH Estate scored Gold for their 2010 Santa Lucia Highlands chardonnay, $24.99, and Ventana pulled in a Gold for their sauvignon blanc ($19). Mercy Vineyards scored Silver for their Griva vineyard chardonnay ($30), as did Paraiso for their 2009 Estate chardonnay ($19). Scheid scored a slew of Silvers, including one for their 2008 Reserve Isabella sparkling ($45), their Estate pinot blanc ($24), their Napa Valley petit Verdot reserve ($65), and for their Monterey Reserve Tannat ($35). Well done! All the more reason to visit the new Scheid tasting room in Carmel.
Hahn also scored Gold for that yummy 2010 Central Coast GSM blend, priced at $12, and Gold for their Central Coast Meritage, $18, along with Silver for their Monterey pinot, central coast merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Winemaker Paul Clifton definitely still has that magic touch.
Mark Calendars for River Road Wine Trail Sweethearts Passport Event, Feb 11
It sure is nice to get rain at long last, but I would not mind if lovely weather would reappear for the annual Sweethearts Passport tasting event on River Road, Saturday, February 11. It’s a great time to visit all the sweet tasting rooms along one of America’s most scenic and charming wine trails. Tickets are $20 prior to Feb 1, and $30 thereafter, so you know what to do.
Chef Brian Overhauser of Hahn Estates will be serving up some delicious appetizers focused on Pinot Noir, so be sure to make Hahn a stop on your River Road journey. A couple of the dishes he plans to serve are:
Pork Confit sliders and Royal Rose radicchio slaw with 2006 Lucienne Lone Oak Pinot Noir and Wagyu Short Ribs with Andy Boy Cauliflower and Horseradish Chantilly, paired with 2010 Hahn Winery GSM. Yum!! Can’t wait.
Winemaker Dave Coventry of Franscioni and Manzoni wineries, invites you to come taste the difference he’s making at both these wineries. Recent tastings of the newly released 2009 Manzoni Estate Syrah and 2010 Manzoni Estate Pinot Noir confirm this brand is on a new track to greatness. 
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