Mer Soleil
(Caymus) Reserve Chardonnay 2019
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California)

About the Winery:
The Mer Soleil Vineyard is named for the two natural forces that create its growing conditions: sea (mer) and sun (soleil). Founded by Charlie Wagner, who grew up in Rutherford and is named after his grandfather, Charles F. (Charlie) Wagner Sr., co-founder of Caymus Vineyards. The famous Wagner family is also the source of Belle Glos Pinot Noirs and Emmolo, from Charlie's daughter Jenny.

Their first vineyards were planted in the Santa Lucia Highlands in 1988. A 40-minute drive from Monterey, California, the land was previously ded­icated to row crops and cattle grazing. A small but exceptional appellation beginning about 20 miles from the coast, the Santa Lucia Highlands has a drama all its own, with morning fog, bright sunshine and howling gusts of afternoon wind.

Notes from the Winemaker:
With plantings at two separate locations in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation of Monterey County, our Mer Soleil Chardonnay vines are nestled on east-facing lower slopes of the Sierra de Salinas range in what is one of the coolest, direct grape-growing area in California. The climate of this coastal appellation causes morning and evening fog and warm, bright afternoons, a combination that produces the high-quality fruit we use to make this bright, elegant Chardonnay.

Taking its name from the sea and sun – the two forces of nature that shape its exotic character – this wine is as dramatic as the place where it is sourced. With morning fog, bright sunshine and gusting winds, the Santa Lucia Highlands has an extended growing season, leading to the development of tropical aromas, lush fruit flavors and a vibrant acidity.