2007 Riesling, Monterey County $19.00

A dry winter combined with over a week of rare “arctic express” cold reduced yields by 20-30% in 2007. The small crop of ideally ripe grapes was harvested in mid-October and began a slow, cold fermentation that exceeded two moths in duration, finally finishing with 3% residual sugar in late December. The perfect balance of sweetness and acidity present in this luscious wine gibe the taste buds an impression more of fresh peach, apricot and nectarine fruitiness than of mere residual sugar alone. All in all, here’s a most tempting white wine to enjoy with Asian foods, fresh of dried fruit and roasted chicken or turkey. DRG 1/08

2005 Unoaked Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County $19.00

Sometimes not at all is better than too much of a good thing. This is an unfettered "au naturel" style of Chardonnay presented with the full complement of original, primary tropical fruit for which Santa Barbara County is justly famous. Oak is simply unnecessary. The hand picked grapes were gently crushed and pressed, the juice settled, racked and cold fermented at a slow rate to preserve the natural essences of the grape. This complex, fruit-driven wine comes equipped with lemon blossom, quince, yellow apple, pineapple and guava aromas and flavors as standard features. A bit of aging will add dimensions of roasted hazelnuts and lightly toasted bread together with balanced acidity.

2005 Gewurztraminer, Central Coast $15.00

Just after Christmas in 2004 the skies opened up and copious rains proceeded to break the four year drought. These vines responded with renewed vigor and produced a lovely wine in 2005. We picked the grapes early to preserve the vital, natural acidity and low pH producing this crisp, nearly dry wine. The spicy Gewurztraminer aroumas come through vividly and the bright, fresh fruit flavors both tease and delight the palate in this European-style wine.

2005 Chenin Blanc, Pinnacles, Monterey County $12.00

We have been making Chenin Blanc from this exceptional vineyard near the Pinnacles/Chalone appellation since 1991. This is a dry white wine, cold-fermented and aged in stainless steel instead of oak. This production method suggests honey, flower and pear aromas with green apple and quince flavors. This wine proves the worth of this often under appreciated varietal.