4 and 6 bottle levels     $24 (member price $21)
100% Chardonnay   13.6% ABV

Hearst Ranch was established in 1865 and remains one of the U.S.A.’s best sources for top quality free range beef. Steve Hearst and Jim Saunders founded Hearst Ranch Winery in 2010; it’s located in San Simeon. While the winery is young, they have the wherewithal to build and maintain first class facilities.  Unlike the rest of their wines, this Chard is from Monterey.  The fruit is from a single block in the Salinas Valley, just west of the famed Chalone AVA, with similar chalky soil..92% stainless and 8% neutral French oak.  Golden apple, lemon, pineapple, guava, hint of butter on the refreshing finish.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
This food-friendly Chardonnay is heavenly with a carpaccio of tuna topped with avocado, peppered grapefruit, and fried ginger; escargot served on garlic toast points; confit of Atlantic salmon over grilled summer squash and corn custard; seared scallops with fava bean puree; prawns with garlic and butter; chicken served with beurre blanc over garlicky braised kale; linguine tossed with clams, garlic and white wine; crispy veal drizzled with lemon juice over mushroom risotto; and pork tenderloin with creamy mustard sauce over roasted fennel. Or savor this white with pungent washed-rind cheeses or goat cheese gougeres.