Three And Half Stars, Linda Murphy: San Francisco Chronicle, January 5, 2006

THE CHRONICLE’S WINE SELECTIONS Monterey County Chardonnay

 

Linda Murphy Thursday, January 5, 2006  

RATING: THREE AND HALF STARS

2004 Morgan Monterey Chardonnay

(

FOUR STARS: Extraordinary THREE STARS: Excellent TWO STARS: Good)

($20) Dan Lee produces several excellent Chardonnays from the Santa Lucia Highlands, yet one of our two highest-scoring wines from this tasting is Lee's entry-level Monterey County blend. There are some obvious French oak toast and caramel notes here, but they don't get in the way of the vibrant apple, lemon-lime, peach and tropical fruit aromas and flavors. The wine is juicy and full-bodied, with lively acidity clearing the palate for another sip. It's an excellent value at this price.

Here are our picks from the 37 Chardonnays from Monterey County and its subappellations tasted for today. Happily, our recommended wines range in price from $9 to $39, offering something for every pocketbook and palate