- Home/
Mer Soleil Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2013
A beautiful Chardonnay produced by Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards and his son Charlie. Mer Soleil Chardonnay is made in a complex, barrel-fermented style reminiscent of the white wines of Burgundy but with the generous sun-ripened flavors of California. They grow fruit at the Mer Soleil Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlandsn near Monterey on an east-facing lower slope which provides a barrier from the Pacific Ocean. This Chardonnay has Mer Soleil’s signature aromas of tropical fruit and toasted spice. 93 Points Wine Enthusiast: "Year in and year out, Mer Soleil's Chardonnay is one of the biggest, most distinctive ones in California. Rich in apricot jam, pineapple custard and new oak butterscotch flavors, but for all the opulence, it's entirely dry, and has zesty Monterey acidity. Almost a food group in itself, it will challenge chefs to rise to the occasion."
Ratings on Delectable
Tracey Busch
My favorite Chardonnay to date. Tastes pretty full bodied and rich with fruits.
My favorite Chardonnay to date. Tastes pretty full bodied and rich with fruits.
10
Matt Sterr 
Buttery with tropical notes. Plenty of ok, too. Ripe.
Buttery with tropical notes. Plenty of ok, too. Ripe.
8.9
Lance E. Farman
Rich, intense, oaky, buttery. Brought the gold. Carmel apples on the palette. Big alcohol (14.8) but balanced enough to handle he heat.
Rich, intense, oaky, buttery. Brought the gold. Carmel apples on the palette. Big alcohol (14.8) but balanced enough to handle he heat.
8.7
Gina Shay
Bananas Foster served on a two-by-four. Cloying. Awkward.
Bananas Foster served on a two-by-four. Cloying. Awkward.
8.4
Sipping Fine Wine
Opening a bottle, which is unlike a typical CA Chardonnay, the color is a deep golden yellow with complex aromas of citrus, stone fruits and yeasty notes. The palate displayed round flavors of lemons, peaches, mangos and subtle oak. The wine continues to develop and some buttery toast hits as the wine yields to an aftertaste. Well balanced with lively acidity and some minerality on the lingering finish. Well done!
Opening a bottle, which is unlike a typical CA Chardonnay, the color is a deep golden yellow with complex aromas of citrus, stone fruits and yeasty notes. The palate displayed round flavors of lemons, peaches, mangos and subtle oak. The wine continues to develop and some buttery toast hits as the wine yields to an aftertaste. Well balanced with lively acidity and some minerality on the lingering finish. Well done!
9.0
Roy Goble
Good buttery
Good buttery
8.9
Kim Colonna
Owner/Sommelier/Importer Petits Creux & Grands Crus
A bit too rich for me ... Too heavy and not well balanced !! But great aromas of honey and peach with herbal hints.
A bit too rich for me ... Too heavy and not well balanced !! But great aromas of honey and peach with herbal hints.
8.6
David L
Yeah ,you can guess.
Yeah ,you can guess.
8.6
Carly Shepherd
Very good for the price point! I've had other reserve Chardonnays that I like better, but this was a great deal at Safeway for $28.
Very good for the price point! I've had other reserve Chardonnays that I like better, but this was a great deal at Safeway for $28.
9.0
ESF
Look - this is what it is, an opulent sexy Chard that has some age & maturity adding another dimension to the overall effect. Showing dark & oxidized there is still a ton of tropical fruit (guava, pineapple & mango) with caramel dipped apple and orange oil. Thick acidic structure - just not racy and does have trouble cutting thru this viscous giant. Full rich hi-octane across the palate.
Look - this is what it is, an opulent sexy Chard that has some age & maturity adding another dimension to the overall effect. Showing dark & oxidized there is still a ton of tropical fruit (guava, pineapple & mango) with caramel dipped apple and orange oil. Thick acidic structure - just not racy and does have trouble cutting thru this viscous giant. Full rich hi-octane across the palate.
9.0
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.