alifornia’s Central Coast experienced it all in 2008. There were spring frosts, a continuing drought, ferocious winds and rains during the growing season. To top it all off, there were the fires that put smoke into the air trapping high humidity levels and blocking out important light.

Lucky for us, the vineyards we use were sheltered from many of these storms. They were inland enough to be protected, but harvest levels were down almost 25% from previous vintages. Experienced winemakers knew that by carefully sorting the fruit at the winery the result would be superior wines that showed good structure, ripe avors and pure varietal characteristics.

Winemaker Alex Cose selected vineyards for our Central Coast Chardonnay mainly from the Monterey area in an area tucked behind the Santa Lucia Highlands along the Salinas River. Cool foggy mornings and warm days provide for a long growing season and mature flavors. He also selected vineyards from San Luis Obispo County for their intense fruit flavors and natural acidity.

Harvest started in late August and continued until the rains came in late September. After an early morning harvest and a gentle pressing at the winery, the grapes were fermented in stainless steel. The wine was then aged in 40 percent new oak barrels for another seven months.

Our 2008 vintage shows aromas of bright citrus, including lemon and pineapple, as well as mango, peach, nectarine, vanilla and lemongrass notes. The wine is bright with clean fruit flavors showing tropical notes with a touch of baked apple. The oak aging gently frames the wine, contributes a slight caramel note, and complements the fruit flavors from these ne coastal vineyards.

Mark West produces Central Coast Chardonnay that’s uncomplicated and unpretentious. Enjoy this wine while on your favorite patio or in your favorite hammock.