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Mer Soleil Reserve Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2018
Mer Soleil is 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
Andrew Lohse 
Layered ripe tropical fruit, nice richness. This wine is super easy to enjoy
Layered ripe tropical fruit, nice richness. This wine is super easy to enjoy
8.8
Delectable Wine
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Translucent straw-gold. Displays lively Meyer lemon and Seckel pear aromas that pick up ginger and honeysuckle nuances with air. Gently chewy and focused on the palate, offering nervy orchard and citrus fruit flavors and a touch of fennel. Closes long and spicy, with a touch of bitter lemon pith and a sweetening whisper of vanilla. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2020)
Translucent straw-gold. Displays lively Meyer lemon and Seckel pear aromas that pick up ginger and honeysuckle nuances with air. Gently chewy and focused on the palate, offering nervy orchard and citrus fruit flavors and a touch of fennel. Closes long and spicy, with a touch of bitter lemon pith and a sweetening whisper of vanilla. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2020)
9.0Frank Gresik
Pretty nice Chardonnay. It’s got some nose, nice fresh apple taste with some oak. Tart finish. Its not as big as I look for but with pork roast, green beens and mashed potatoes it goes well. Happy Easter.
Pretty nice Chardonnay. It’s got some nose, nice fresh apple taste with some oak. Tart finish. Its not as big as I look for but with pork roast, green beens and mashed potatoes it goes well. Happy Easter.
8.8
Marc Melser
We had the 2018 Vintage on 5/15-16/21. For 20 bucks this is a darn good Chardonnay. Tastes of lemon, vanilla, honey and a little apricot. Not too acidic. An over-performer, aka, a good value
We had the 2018 Vintage on 5/15-16/21. For 20 bucks this is a darn good Chardonnay. Tastes of lemon, vanilla, honey and a little apricot. Not too acidic. An over-performer, aka, a good value
8.7
Alex Grenewitz
Fantastic wine, highly recommended!
Fantastic wine, highly recommended!
9.0
Pablo Cetlinski
Beautiful balanced tropical notes, touch of butter and acidity
Beautiful balanced tropical notes, touch of butter and acidity
9.4
Carter White
Chardonnay with good body and structure but doesn’t go overboard with the buttery oak (it’s still the dominant flavor).
Chardonnay with good body and structure but doesn’t go overboard with the buttery oak (it’s still the dominant flavor).
8.6
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.