www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 20-26, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 35 CHILL The amount of Chardonnay available is boggling—so easy to find and sip that it remains one of the most popular wines the world over. But if the wine’s common appeal has made some aficionados distance themselves, they need only look for the Talbott label. Two bottles in particular will rekindle appreciation for the heady heights Chardonnay is capable of in the right hands—and right terroir. The instinctive hands are those of Talbott winemaker Kamee Knutson. The plot of land is one particular block of the winery’s Sleepy Hollow Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. In combination, the two produced the 2021 Block 4 North Chardonnay, a gorgeous vintage that rested 15 months in French oak. Rich and creamy even on the nose, the wine caresses your palate with sensations of butterscotch and plucked flowers, with hints of almond and vanilla that sing a lullaby to the brighter notes of stonefruit and pineapple. But there’s another option, the 2021 Fidelity Chardonnay, sourced from a single row of block four and put to such scrutiny that only three vintages have been allowed by the winemaker. It’s a stunning wine that basks openly in its decadence, beckoning you with promises of creamy lemon custard, pastry scented with vanilla, caramel and curing pineapple. All the while, the crisp peach and citrus glitters. Both stand apart from the Chardonnay crowd. Yet the Fidelity is rare, limited to just two barrels and available for sale only to Talbott wine club members. Talbott Vineyards, Lincoln between 5th and 6th, Carmel. 659-3500, talbottvineyards.com. Four Told Two remarkable—and distinct— Chardonnays come from one block of Talbott’s vineyards. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES Woody don’t know corporate, Woody knows local Stop in today for a locally sourced meal! WoodysMontereyAirport.com Monterey Regional Airport 200 Fred Kane Drive, Monterey 831-373-1232 Open 9am-9pm Every Day Del Mesa Carmel 500 Del Mesa Carmel, Carmel Valley 831-624-1854 Open Wed-Sun for lunch and dinner If You Haven’t, You Need To! GREAT Paninis, Soups, Salads, Pinsa Romana, Craft Beer & Wine Live Music on the Patio, Coming Soon Vegetarian and gluten free items. Dine in or take out. Indoor and outdoor seating. Catering and events up to 40 people available Located on the Coast Guard Pier with views of Monterey Bay. 32 Cannery Row, Suite C, Monterey • (831) 718-8520 Sandwiches - Salads - Craft Beers - Wine - Coffee FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFO! LIVE MUSIC EVERY TUESDAY BLUES NIGHT 6PM THURSDAY JAZZ NIGHT 6PM RESTAURANT + BAR “THE OLD” ITALIAN COOKING NOW OFFERING ONLINE ORDERING! (831) 243-6066 UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! Fresh Pasta, Wine Pairings, & Charming Decor LUNCH 11:30AM - 2PM DINNER 5PM - 9PM Store CloSing 40% gifts for the Holidays [everything goes] The Garden Song 225 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove [across from Grove Market] 1-831-656-9771 11:30 - 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday off Sale e d e e d e WE'RE MOVING! OFF SALE The Garden Song 225 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove [across from Grove Market] 1-831-656-9771 11:30 – 4:30pm Tuesday through Saturday Store CloSing 40% gifts for the Holidays [everything goes] The Garden Song 225 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove [across from Grove Market] 1-831-656-9771 11:30 - 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday off Sale e d e e d e
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