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Mer Soleil was founded 30 years ago in the Santa Lucia Highland by Chuck Wagner, proprietor of one of Napa's most iconic wineries, Caymus. Caymus hit the ground running 50 years ago with a string of exceptional wines and still is considered in the top 10.
Chuck was also one of the smartest winemakers as well. He knew he couldn't make world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Rutherford, so looked around until he found the jewel of these two grapes in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Santa Lucia has often been called the Burgundy of California, not so much as to compare the wines side by side, but because the wines from here are so unique and distinctive. It is very evident from the nose to the palate that the wine could only come from one place.
Chuck's son, Charlie, now runs Mer Soleil with the same zeal and passion of his father. He was one of the first to produce a Chardonnay with no oak treatment. This was considered heresy until people tasted it. And then, just like that, it became very fashionable as you'll see when you taste it.
Charlie fashioned his wine around Chablis, most of which are unoaked. Given the terroir the grapes are grown in, only makes it more special than its peers. The apple, pear and guava components mix with citrus and earth tones to present an enigmatic offering that is as exciting as it is delicious. Try with challenging dishes like lobster Thermador or shrimp scampi.
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