42 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 17-23, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com CHILL With the 2022 vintage, Morgan bids farewell to its Tempranillo. One could ask “why?” but the response would be a dry essay on market trends. And really, we just want to sip and enjoy, for it is a smooth, balanced wine. It smiles from the glass with aromas of mixed berry jam and juicy cherries, balanced by stern sensations of tobacco and worn cedar. But the fruit is untroubled by this earthier tone. The cheery nature of raspberries and fresh cherries splashes over the palate. Hints of plum round out the finish. This is not, however, a fruit-forward wine. A dusting of cocoa, a notion of baking spice, a waft of tobacco, dried fig and a tannic minerality give each sip an even temper, brightness steadied by richer, denser impressions. This is a wine for a lingering meal or a laid-back affair. For its final vintage, Morgan’s winemaking team pampered the Tempranillo, hand-selecting the grapes, whole berry fermentation in small batches and a 17-month idyll in oak. They produced just under 200 cases. When word got out that Morgan was parting ways with the varietal, however, some people began buying by the case. It’s a wine worth storing for a good day. And when the last bottle is gone from the shelves, you will be fortunate to know someone who did just that. Taste Morgan, 204 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. 626-3700, morganwinery.com. Last Call The 2022 Morgan Tempranillo is good to the last bottle—literally, for the wine’s final vintage. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’24 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’24 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Pasta, salads, sandWiches and more 11:30am mon-Fri, 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 haPPY hour Food & drinK sPecials Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 Best Pizza ’98-’24 Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 ’24 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY! JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 4:30PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 4:30-6PM & 8-9PM 3-Course Early Menu, $49, 4:30-6pm Daily Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’24 Best Steak ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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