www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 13-19, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL To oak or not to oak, that is the question. Well, it’s not always the most pertinent matter. But when it comes to Chardonnay, wooden staves can influence the wine one way while stainless steel might take it in a different direction. Case in point, the 2024 Chardonnays from Cru Winery—plural, as one was fermented in 100 percent French oak, the other in gleaming metallurgy, with the grapes for both harvested from the same Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard. The unoaked version is cheerful on the nose, with impressions of peach and green apple frolicking forward. One would anticipate a brisk wine, but a sip reveals a nice body with rounded fruit, with tropical notes and a soft cucumber. Somehow—both in the bouquet and on the palate—one gets hints of an elusive sensation of brioche. Oak is readily apparent in the other Chardonnay, even before taking a sip. The color is a richer amber and the aromas more genteel, like apple pie with flecks of lemon zest. Citrus emerges on the palate, as well— although silkier, with a trace of vanilla and sliced melon. A tickle of spice follows on the finish, with a drifting thought of toasted bread. In answer to the eternal question, one could reasonably respond either way. Or we could say to sip the stainless version during the day and save the oaked Chardonnay for the evening. But really, you can’t go wrong. Cru Winery, 37500 Foothill Road, Soledad. (800) 946-3039, cruwinery.com. Either Way Cru Winery puts Chardonnay from the same vineyard on two distinct paths. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES ♦ 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 Hospitality Industry Days at Woody’s at Del Mesa Parking? NO PROBLEM. Pricing? NO PROBLEM. “ The Pour? NO PROBLEM. Location? GET OVER IT. IT’S BEAUTIFUL! ” - Chef Tim Wood Visit Our Website 10AM - 2PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY no problem BRUNCH? (831) 624-1854 “Welcome to the Summer of Knowledge” THURSDAY DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH 500 Del Mesa Dr, Carmel (831) 624-1854 Hospitality makes you age faster - come hang out where you’ll feel at home Tell us where you work, tell us a story,pop a cork & get a discount Yes, you have to work in hospitality for 30% off 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 THANK YOU for nominating us for BEST NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET, BEST ORGANIC PRODUCE MARKET, and BEST BUTCHER SHOP Grove Market proudly carries only the freshest meats and produce. Gourmet to go • Home delivery available 242 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove (831) 375-9581 Mon-Sat 8am-7pm • Sun 9am-6pm Welcome Car Fans!
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