2013 Matthiasson Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Michael Mara Vineyard

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If your local wine shop hosts winemaker tastings I would recommend you sign up.  Most of the wine tastings are pretty inexpensive and it gives you an opportunity to try a wine before you buy it.  One of our local wine shops hosted a wine tasting with co-owner and winemaker Jill Klein Matthiasson.

The tasting was to start at 4 pm.  The wine rep and Jill came about 20 minutes late.  No big deal since we had purchased a glass of wine and was socializing with friends.  The tasting covered many reds and whites that they produce.

So here was the lineup:
Whites – 2014 Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay, 2013 Michael Mara Vineyard Chardonnay, 2013 White wine, 2013 Ribolla Gialla. They produce a small lot of Ribolla Gialla.  It was an interesting white.  Smelling the wine, I noted dill pickle potato chips, nutty with some minerality.

Reds – 2013 Refosci, The Refosci was an interesting grape  It was like an Italian-style red wine.  Nonvintage Schioppetino.  They had such a small harvest in 2013 that it was blended with 2014.  2012 Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Merlot and a 2011 Red Blend.

I liked all of the wines.  However, the Ribolla Gialla was not a favorite…

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Sight
Pale color depth with an amber hue.

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Smell
Aromatic, young-fruity with aromas of butter, apple, melon.

Taste
Dry, medium-bodied, balanced acidity.  Soft tannins with a crisp mid-pallet mouth feel with a long savory finish.

ABV: 12.9% (They like to harvest early.  This produces lower alcohol wines)

How much:  $55.00 retail

Region/Appellation: California/ Sonoma Coast

The wine is 100% Chardonnay, clone 4.

I rated the 2013 Matthiasson Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Michael Mara Vineyard four glasses.  Serve the chardonnay slightly chilled.  I think the wine expresses itself more.

Life is too short to drink crappy wine.  Expand your palate and keep trying.

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