Another Wine Enthusiast Pick

  "Talbott Vineyards offers some of the region's most complex Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs..." says the Wine Enthusiast magazine.  We've always liked Talbott's wines and this was just enough of a nudge to get us back to the tasting room in Carmel Valley to see what our palates responded to this time 'round.    

 ~ In Chardonnays:

The 2011 Kali Hart Chardonnay, out for only three months, was a "quintessential" Chardonnay.  Aged mainly in stainless steel, it was crisp and a great value at $19.  The Cuvee Audrey Chardonnay, made from the "twelve finest barrels of Chardonnay from our Diamond T Vineyard," was another favorite.  It was smooth and vanilla-y.

 ~In Pinot Noirs:

The 2010 Kali Hart Pinot Noir was nice, light, and as our server said, "like sitting near a fireplace."  Our wine tasting buddy “B” liked the Talbott Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir, made from some of Talbott's oldest vines.  It was very earthy, or to paraphrase a friend who was with us, "dirty," but in a good way.  Hmmm...we think that's a new wine descriptor.  

        For those chefs out there, you might want to check out the recipes that you can find in the tasting room.  We picked up some for Pomegranate and Walnut Salad, Mushroom Risotto, Chicken Vesuvio, and Crown Roast of Lamb.  And, you know how much we like "products;" Talbott's carries some Gil's Gourmet items like Pinot Noir Chocolate Cherries (which we love) and Champagne Jalapeno Mustard (which sounds intriguing).

        We've heard that the valley Talbott's tasting room is about to move to a new space in the village.  They also have a tasting room at the winery at 1380 River Road, Salinas.  No matter where Talbott's is located, their wines please.  We're as enthusiastic about them as the Wine Enthusiast.