Chardonnay 2011—From Talbott Ties to Talbott Wine
By Josie Cowden Dining at Pacific’s Edge in the Hyatt Highlands Inn in Carmel is a wonderful experience. Not only is this a stunning restaurant with an almighty ocean view, but also the cuisine is outstanding. The wine cellar is one of the finest on the Central Coast and features a selection from all over the world, as well as many California wines. And if you need a suggestion of what to pair with your food, one of the restaurant’s sommeliers will take care of you.
At a recent dinner at Pacific’s Edge, I selected a Talbott Chardonnay 2010. The estate-grown grapes for this excellent wine come from Sleepy Hollow Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of the most significant vineyards in this appellation. Owned by Talbot Vineyards, this expansive piece of land is prime grape-growing country with deep sand and gravelly soils coupled with dramatic coastal weather, which means the right amount of sun and then cooling fog.
Talbott makes impressive high-end wines; this one sells for $42—and for more in a restaurant. But when you taste a wine such as this, layered with nuances of tropical fruit, citrus and minerals, and delightful aromas of vanilla and spices, then it’s worth every penny. To quote the winery, “This wine has come to define Talbott style with power, richness, integrated oak, and bright cool-climate acidity.”
Winery owner Robert Talbott was born in Connecticut, but the family moved to Carmel in 1950 and started the Robert Talbott Tie Company—making fine quality ties. On trips to the South of France in his youth, he became interested in the wine business, and eventually founded his own vineyards. Along with expert winemaker Dan Karlson, Talbott Vineyards is now producing some exceptional wines.
Talbott Vineyards tasting room is at 53 East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, (831) 659-3500. Talbottvineyards.com.
Pacific’s Edge Restaurant in the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, (831) 622-5445. Pacificsedge.com.
Twisted Tasting
This fun event features unique, experimental and twisted beers! Hosted by the Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing Company, about 40 beers will be featured and the ticket includes unlimited food and beer tasting. The location is the top of the Rittenhouse Building in downtown Santa Cruz, and tickets are $65. The event is 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. For tickets visit Twistedtasting.eventbrite.com.
Michael’s on Main
And for another fun beer event, don’t miss Michael’s on Main’s Fat Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. Guest chef Madlyn Norman-Terrance will be cooking her famous gumbo and Anchor Steam Beer will be pouring their popular brewskies. Dinner is $25 per person. Visit: Michaelsonmain.net for information and reservations.
