Time Place Wine Co. Monterey Chardonnay

Led by Jamey Whetstone and his nearly 30 years of California winemaking experience, this is a small project for Whetstone, who also manages an eponymous winery along with his wife. The wines he makes at the former not only offer far better value, but the project is far more interesting to me. Here’s why:

Jamey cut his teeth in the winemaking business back in the 90s as an intern for Turley Cellars – not too shabby. He worked for Larry Turley for several years before leaving to join Failla Wines, run by the formidable Ehren Jordan. During that time, the jovial, happy-go-lucky winemaker made a number of great contacts throughout California. With both Failla and Turley making wines in a number of regions, the opportunity to forge relationships were endless, and Whetstone always kept this in mind.

Golden straw in color. Fresh, dense nose of lime peel, ripe Meyer lemon and yellow apple, with hints of hazelnut in the background. Delicious, linear flavors of green apple, pear and citrus. Pretty long, clean finish with a touch of ripe quince and acidity.

750ml