|
One of the Top Value Chardonnays Rated by Robert Parker
In the most recent issue of the Wine Advocate Robert Parker reported on California Chardonnay from the Central Coast reviewing 70 different Chardonnays in all. One of the highest rated Chardonnays under $20 was the 2008 Carmel Road Chardonnay Monterey with a 90 point rating.
A great cool-climate Chardonnay with loads of fruit yet very clean and refreshing on the finish with very subtle oak. 90 points and a great QPR.
Carmel Road Winery is located in the heart of Monterey County where the air is crisp and the tempo is relaxed and measured. Most mornings the vineyards are shrouded in fog. Most afternoons a brisk Pacific Ocean wind blows southward along the ridge tops and benchlands of Salinas Valley delivering fresh, cool maritime air.
For years this region was considered too cold and windy to grow world-class grapes. Today, Monterey boasts some of the most highly-acclaimed AVAs in all of California. Since 1999 Carmel Road has been producing stunning Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from some of Monterey's finest benchland vineyards using a mix of proprietary and traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques.
Winemaker's Notes:
Our 2008 Monterey Chardonnay is rich, bold and beautifully balanced. It possesses an intriguing combination of grapefruit, pear and vanilla imparted by traditional barrel fermentation. The flavors are luscious, fruit forward and distinctly mineral thanks to our unique inner-coastal soils. As with all of our wines, the finish is crisp, structured and long. Reviews Robert Parker 90 Points
I was also impressed with Carmel Road’s 2008 Chardonnay Monterey. With a light greenish hue to its color and loads of tropical fruit intermixed with a hint of orange blossom, this medium-bodied Chardonnay is not as weighty as the Arroyo Seco, but it’s tasty in a medium-bodied, fresh, lively, cool-climate style. | 
