www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 35 CHILL Wine is often described as an expression of the growing season for a particular grape and vineyard. But it can also tell of incidents along the way. For their 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, the folks at Bernardus decided to harvest multiple times, starting before the clusters reached peak ripeness, with a goal of layering in notes from different stages of the season. So just as a tap on a cymbal causes sound to rise, fall and even echo, the wine yields subtleties. The notion of grapefruit is prominent on the nose, but there is an earthy character lurking underneath. Yet the fresh tingle of whole ripe limes emerges, leaving bright expectations. And this is a fresh, bursting Sauvignon Blanc—wedges of grapefruit bulging with juice, peaches fallen from the tree, an inviting tropical allure, brisk citrus. There is an abundance of fruit traipsing across the palate, with only a whisper of something more grounded to suggest an earthly origin. Winemaker Jim McCabe fermented the wine—a Musque clone grown in Arroyo Seco—in stainless steel to preserve its lively nature. But he also introduced neutral French oak uprights to bring more depth. Sauvignon Blanc is not a varietal readily associated with Monterey County, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are more common. Bernardus’ wine suggest that this is unfortunate. They have produced a fun Sauvignon Blanc that also has a story to tell. Bernardus Winery tasting room, 5 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 298-8021, bernardus.com. Blanc Slate Bernardus’ 2025 Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing wine with a wealth of character. 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 $45,000 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 50LB BAG Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. Open every Saturday 12pm-3pm 101 W. LAUREL DR, SALINAS • (831)443-6161 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm $5 OFF Any purchase of $25 or more $20 OFF Any purchase of $100 or more NEW PRODUCTS! $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more PREMIUM DOG AND CAT FOODS AT A LOW PRICE! EXPIRES 8-26-26. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY, SHAVINGS, SERESTO, MAX BULLY, SPORTSTRAIL, NUTRA-NUGGETS, OR LIVE ANIMALS. MUST PRESENT ENTIRE PHYSICAL COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. COUPON MUST COME DIRECTLY FROM THE MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY. REPRINTS OR PHOTOCOPIES NOT VALID. DIAMOND NUTRA-NUGGETS FOR DOG DIAMOND NUTRA-NUGGETS FOR CAT $15.99 $33.99 20LB BAG 10-7-26. 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
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