As we continue our survey of California Bordeaux, we arrive in Monterey County this week. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the grape varieties the region is best known for, but the fact is, the area offers a wide range of climates and forty other varieties are grown within its borders. In terms of the Bordeaux grapes specifically, the southern end of the county as well as the Carmel Valley and select locations in the Arryo Seco AVA produce the highest quality fruit.

So next time you’re searching for a Cabernet, a Sauvignon Blanc or a different varietal wine, don’t overlook Monterey County. There is plenty of quality and value to select from. Here are just a few of the many options.

Cima Collina 2010 Cedar Lane Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Monterey County

Price: 15-20

Review:

A bouquet of grapefruit, melon, honey, and grass rises up from a grass. Flavors of citrus fruits and gooseberry combine with notes of grass and honey on the palate. A fairly round white, that still has a refreshing acidity, if you enjoy lush Sauvignon Blanc, this is a bottle to try.

Rating: 90

Cima Collina 2007 Meritage

Grape(s): 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot

Region: Monterey County

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromas of currants, cherries, and bramble fruit meld with suggestions of cocoa, all-spice, and oak on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of blackberry and cassis accented by hints of dark chocolate and sweet spice. A dark, rich blend that’s lush but still nicely structured, fans of supple red blends will enjoy this wine.

Rating: 89

Cinnabar 2009 Indian Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc

Region: Monterey County

Price: 35-40

Review:

A bouquet of bramble fruit, dark chocolate, and earth rise up from a glass. Blackberry, cherry, and cassis unfold into notes of chocolate, tobacco, and cedar on the palate. A supple red, with rich tannins, fans of classic California Cabernet will enjoy this wine. Just 200 cases produced.

Rating: 90

Galante Vineyards 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Monterey County

Price: 20-25

Review:

Citrus fruit and fresh minerals greets the senses. Grapefruit, peach, and lime flavors are accented by hints of minerals on the palate. A lively wine with a effervescent finish, its ideal to pair with food or for fans of bright whites.

Rating: 89

Galante Vineyards 2006 Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Monterey County

Price: 45-50

Review:

A bouquet of currants, herbaceous notes, earth, and cherries rises up from a glass. A sip reveals flavors of rich black fruit, cocoa, oak, and herbs. A fairly robust wine, with supple tannins, fans of hearty, herbaceous Cabs will enjoy this wine.

Rating: 86

Galante Vineyards 2009 Double M Blend

Grape(s): 50% Merlot and 50% Malbec

Region: Monterey County

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromas of cherries, blackberries, blueberries meld with notes of earth on the nose. Flavors of black cherry and blackberry unfold into suggestions of earth and burnt spice. A robust wine with big, thick tannins, fans of hearty, full-bodied reds should try this bottle.

Rating: 87

 

Galante Vineyards 2009 “Ace High” Malbec

Grape(s): 100% Malbec

Region: Monterey County

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromatics of plums, boysenberries, and tart blueberries mingle with rubbery and floral notes on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of boysenberry, pomegranate, and plum accented by suggestions of spice and violets. A bright red with moderate tannins, let it breathe and enjoy with food.

Rating: 86

Galante Vineyards 2007 Merlot

Grape(s): 100% Merlot

Region: Monterey County

Price: 30-35

Review:

Notes of cherry and bramble fruit are accented by suggestions of earth and herbs on the nose. Flavors of tart blackberry and cherry come together notes of earth and charcoal on the palate. A robust, full-bodied Merlot, fans of hearty, earthy reds may enjoy this wine.

Rating: 85

Heller 2009 Estate Cabernet Franc

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: Monterey County

Price: 50-55

Review:

Aromas of cherries, strawberry jam, and currants along with accents of sweet spice and earth rise up from a glass. A sip reveals flavors of cherry and currant along with suggestions of anise and cinnamon. A lighter, layered wine that fans of smooth, bright reds will enjoy.

Rating: 90

Heller 2009 Estate Merlot

Grape(s): 88% Merlot and 12% Malbec

Region: Monterey County

Price: 35-40

Review:

A bouquet of cassis, medjool dates, and vanilla greet the senses. Flavors of currants, plums, and dates with accents of sweet spice and caramel emerge on the palate. A rich wine with concentrated dark fruit flavor but mellow tannins, fans of smooth, drinkable reds ought to try a bottle.

Rating: 88

Heller 2009 Cachagua Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 85% Caberent and 15% Merlot

Region: Monterey County

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, and currants open-up into notes of earth and herbs on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of blueberry and blackberry accented by suggestions of chocolate and herbaceous hints. Ideal for those who like red wine before dinner.

Rating: 88

Heller 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Monterey County

Price: 45-50

Review:

Fragrant suggestions of currants, cherries, dusty minerals, and cocoa emerge on the nose. Notes of cassis and black cherry mingle with hints of cedar, earth, and roast coffee on the palate. A lush wine, with ample fruit and a bright background of minerals, it’s ideal for fans of smooth yet effervescent Cabs.

Rating: 89

Heller 2010 Estate Malbec

Grape(s): 100% Malbec

Region: Monterey County

Price: 35-40

Review:

Notes of blueberry, sweet spice, and earth rise up from a glass. Blueberries and blackberries mingle with suggestions of clove and earth on the palate. Rather smooth for a Malbec, fans of easy-going reds with a bit of structure ought to try this wine. Just open and enjoy.

Rating: 88

Heller 2009 Estate Petit Verdot

Grape(s): 100% Petit Verdot

Region: Monterey County

Price: 35-40

Review:

Blueberries and cherries mingle with notes of anise and sweet spice on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry and cherry flavors along with hints of earth and spice. A fairly lively red, with a food friendly acidity, fans of lighter Petit Verdot should try this bottle.

Rating: 89

 

Scheid Vineyards 2009 Estate Cabernet Franc

Grape(s): 94% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot

Region: Monterey County

Price: 30-35

Review:

Aromas of cherries and plums combine with notes of lavender and cedar on the nose. Blackberry and cherry flavors meld with suggestions of vanilla, sweet spice, and oak on the palate. An easy-going wine, with smooth tannins, fans of lighter, fruit-driven reds will enjoy this bottle. Only 69 cases produced.

Rating: 90

Scheid Vineyards 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot 5%, 3% Malbec, 1% Merlot

Region: Monterey County

Price: 25-30

Review:

A bouquet of bramble fruit, currants, oak, and vanilla greets the senses. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, plum, and cassis along with suggestions of cedar and sweet spice. A rich Cab, with ample dark fruit and medium tannins, it’s a highly approachable red that could be enjoy on its own or with a dish such as roast chicken. 1,074 cases produced.

Rating: 89

 

Scheid Vineyards 2008 Estate Merlot

Grape(s): 83% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec

Region: Monterey County

Price: 20-25

Review:

Aromatics of plums, and blackberries meld with suggestions sweet spice and cedar. The palate delivers flavors of cassis and blackberry that mingle with hints of clove, cedar, and dark chocolate. A smooth, fruit-driven wine with plush tannins, fans of Merlot will enjoy this wine. 1,033 cases produced.

Rating: 89

Scheid Vineyards 2006 Reserve Claret

Grape(s): 28% Petit Verdot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec

Region: Monterey County

Price: 55-60

Review:

Fragrant notes of cherries, plums, and currants with accents of earth, vanilla bean, and clove rise up from a glass. Flavors of blackberry, currants, and cherry unfold into suggestions of vanilla, earth, and cola on the palate. A fairly smooth, layered blend with plush tannins and nice depth, fans of rich, balanced reds will enjoy this wine.

Rating: 91

Scheid Vineyards 2007 Reserve Claret

Grape(s): 29% Cabernet, 24% Merlot, 20% Petite Verdot, 16% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc

Region: Monterey County

Price: 55-60

Review:

A rich nose of dark fruit, chocolate, and a touch of oak greets the senses. A sip unfurls notes of blackberry and cherry with accents of chocolate, sweet spice and earth. A smooth, layered blend with plush tannins, fans of elegantly styled reds should try this wine. About 500 cases produced.

Rating: 90