Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2016

Ideally drink now through 2026. Serve chilled.

Following the trend of moving away from full oak regimes, the Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay sees no time in oak whatsoever. Fermented in a combination of stainless steel and cement tanks, this wine is still a ripe and full-bodied example of California Chardonnay, but without the butter and vanilla notes that many people think overwhelm some white wines from the Golden State. Aromas of yellow apple, pear, and nectarine lead to a juicy and acidic palate that evokes Meyer lemon, passion fruit, and peach, with a bit of minerality finishing off the mouthwatering finish.

Grilled octopus salad, shrimp Louie, or a lobster roll would match this wine perfectly. The juicy, tropical fruit driven essences of this wine are soft and ripe enough that a buttery and/or richly flavored seafood dish is a great pairing.

Made by the Wagner family of Caymus and Meiomi fame, the Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay is fermented and aged in stainless steel and cement tanks, keeping oak flavors from the wine entirely. However, the wine does get small doses of oxygen which result in flavor development that helps mimics what oak barrels accomplish, but without adding any oak flavors. Bottled in distinct matte grey bottles that were inspired by the concrete fermenters that this wine was born in, this wine is a showstopper on the table, both in the bottle and in the glass.