Today we welcome back Matias Wines, the winery whose winemaking efforts are headed up by Dan Fitzgerald - who made Robert Sinskey famous by crafting some of the best Rombauer-slaying Chardonnays. Today’s wine is a light golden treat with an alluring nose, and crisp, balanced flavors.

This Chardonnay is a bright, white-gold coloration with a tinge of chartreuse. The nose is perfumed and alluring with floral notes of fresh roses with lemon zest, and dusty minerality, with subtle jalapeño. The palate introduces tropical fruit such as guava and mango, along with tree-fruit flavors of apple and pear. Very well balanced, with crisp acidity mid and back palate, with soft barrel tannin coating the sides of the mouth. Delicious! For a seasonal treat, try pairing with a pumpkin and butternut squash soup topped with hot oil and parsley.

We know that you’ve been waiting for the return of Matias Wines, and winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who rose to winemaking fame at Williams-Selyem Winery and Robert Sinskey Vineyards. If you haven’t tasted Dan’s wine, particularly his Chardonnays, this is your chance to try one that delivers tremendous value - at a truly great price.

About the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA:

The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in Monterey County, California. It is part of the broader Monterey AVA which is one of California’s finest. This important sub-AVA is located in the Santa Lucia Mountains above the Salinas Valley, which is one of California’s premier agricultural areas.

Over 2,300 acres (931 ha) of vineyards are planted in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, with vineyards that rest at elevations as high as 1,200 feet above sea level. About half of the grapes planted here are Pinot Noir. The region enjoys cool morning fog and breezes from Monterey Bay followed by warm afternoons, thanks to direct southern exposures to the sun.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

92 points - Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast - “There is a strong woody touch to the nose of this bottling along with dried peach and dried mango aromas. The palate begins with a strong citrus-peel flavor then leads into green-pear and cider-apple flavors. The finish is a unique touch of kaffir lime leaf and lemongrass, which would go well with a wide variety of food.”