By the likes of it over here on the central coast of California, spring and (on many days) summer are coming in strong! Even if you still have puff coats and boots by the door (I’m talking to you Midwest and Northeast friends), start thinking about wines and food pairings to welcome a new season. This past week, I opened two notable wines (sent as samples) to complement flavorful seafood dishes that I can’t wait to make again.
2024 J. Lohr Estates Paperwhite Unoaked Chardonnay and Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Shrimp
This combination sounds perfect for a light dinner with views of the beach and ocean, doesn’t it? It is also fabulous on a Wednesday night after cutting the grass, watering the garden, and enjoying the cool breeze of the late afternoon.
2024 is the second vintage of this gorgeous wine that highlights a fruit-centric Chardonnay. From cool climate Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County, California, soil atop riverstones deposited thousands of years ago. Sandy loam soil and cobblestones keep growth and fruit balanced and the winds and fog from the Monterey Bay help the grapes retain their natural acidity and signature flavor profile.
Fermented and slightly aged in stainless steel tanks, I noted lemon, lime, white flowers, and breezy salinity on the nose. Refreshing and pure, flavors of stone fruit, pear, citrus, green apple, and lemon spritz were lifted with bright acidity. The profile of 2024 J. Lohr Estates Paperwhite Unoaked Chardonnay ($14) was enhanced with each bite of Creamy Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Shrimp, a light, creamy, and flavorful dish. Find the recipe HERE and enjoy!
2022 Domaine Anderson Pinoli Vineyard Pinot Noir and Cedar Planked Salmon
Having visited Domaine Anderson a few years ago, I look forward to another visit sooner than later. Located in Nothern California’s Anderson Valley, fog-cooled hillsides and mountainous terrain are optimal for cultivating both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This time, their Pinoli Vineyard Pinot Noir called my name and I answered!
Pinoli Vineyard is the coolest site in the “Deep End” of Anderson Valley. It is a mere 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, on a sunny, south-facing slope at 325 feet above sea level. Thanks to the maritime influence, the growing season is long and slow, natural acidity is maintained, and the soils of light loam with alluvial gravel and clay provide structure for a balanced, bold wine.
In Anderson Valley, the 2022 vintage was, by all accounts, exceptional. 2022 Domaine Anderson Pinoli Vineyard Pinot Noir ($70) offered aromas of dark cherries, chocolate, crushed raspberries, and bright spice. On the palate, balance and structure were dominant. Savory notes of dark red berries, more spice, dried fruit, and hints of salt were framed with soft tannins and just-right acidity. A lingering finish suggested that this is the ultimate food wine! And sipped between bites of smoky, tender salmon marinated in soy sauce, the Pinot Noir had much to say. Find the recipe for Cedar Planked Salmon HERE and savor each bite and sip.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
