Winemaker: Robert Cook
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: AVA Chalone, Monterey, California
Being the oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County wasn’t enough for Chalone vineyard. They even have their own appelation! Chalone Vineyard is the sole winery in the Chalone American Viticultural Area (AVA), a federally designated area that has climatic, geologic and geographic features distinguished from the land surrounding it.
This unique teroire, with temperatures changing literally hour to hour with hot days and cold nights, fog and cooling winds from the Monterey Bay, allows the ideal conditions for Burgundian varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their flagship wine, Chalone estate Pinot Noir, (every bottle has its own unique serial number), belongs in my opinion among the top Pinot Noirs produced in California today.
The Chalone vineyard was originally planted back in 1919. The first wine produced under the Chalone label was made here in 1960 by famous winemaker Philip Togni. He runs a very successful boutique winery, carrying his name today. The production of Philip Togni highly rated wines is so small that it’s almost impossible to get it.
Around early sixties Dick Graff tasted the wine from Chalone grapes and loved it. Discovering its great potential, he ended up buying the vineyard and later co-founded Chalone Wine Group. Dick made his first commercial vintage here in 1966. The Chalone estate is currently comprised of almost 1,000 contiguous acres, of which nearly 310 are planted to vines.
This 2007 Chalone Monterey Pinot Noir was sourced from Chalone grapes throughout the Monterey County. The conditions for correct ripening were just spectacular. Moderate temperatures that summer allowed wine to ripe evenly developing just the right amount of sugar and acidity,in a great balance.
Tasting notes:
Nice ruby color and lovely aroma of fresh cherries and dark fruit. On the palate ripe dark fruit with a light dust of cocoa on the finish. Velvet tannins and very well balanced acidity creates a long, satisfying finish. Great quality and value!
Dry – Off dry – Medium sweet – Sweet
Light – Medium – Full body
No oak – Aged in oak
Retail price: under $ 17.00
Ideal food pairing:
salmon and other rich fish, risotto, chicken or turkey dishes,tapas, grilled veggies and many more
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