Mer Soleil 2016 Chardonnay Reserve, Santa Lucia Highlands

The Wagner family legacy of winemaking has been carried on for three generations. The family’s deep roots of farming grapes and producing wine began in 1915 in the Napa Valley. Charlie F. Wagner and Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, along with their son, Chuck, established Caymus Vineyards in 1972. Chuck saw great potential for producing quality wines outside of the Napa Valley as well, and by 1988, Chuck began planting land in the Santa Lucia Highlands. This appellation, located in Monterey County, is along the cooler coastline, yielding early ripening for Chardonnay. Mer Soleil Chardonnay became the product of this quality chosen site, and has been run by Chuck’s eldest son, Charlie F. Wagner II, since 2001.

Grapes for this Chard were harvested at full ripeness by hand. Fermentation and aging take place in French oak barrels for 12-15 months, using a mix of new and used for just the right amount of oak component. Only a portion of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation to ensure a firm acidity along with a hint of butter.