Do you know what Nobel Prize winner is from Salinas?

Do you know what Nobel Prize winner is from Salinas? If you said John Steinbeck you are right. This is one of those things I knew, but didn’t know. Anyway, a few weeks ago we drove down to the Steinbeck museum and found that not only Lisa and I enjoyed it, Alexa did as well. The museum is very interactive and gives you the readers digest version of a number of his books. It was a great way to introduce Alexa to the genius of Steinbeck. And for me, it brought a big smile as I thought of the, “frog hunt for Doc’s party”.

L’Angevin, 2004 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

The first vintage for this winery was 2002; the current production is about 800 cases of Chardonnay and about 150 cases of Pinot Noir. The winemaker Robbie Meyer worked at Peter Michael Winery for five years as an assistant winemaker, as well as two years as the winemaker for Lewis Cellars. The wine is crisp without much intensity. The feel in your mouth substantial with a reasonably long finish, it reminds me of Peter Michael chardonnays, but without the complexity. I will try this one again next year; it is close but not quite there yet.

Solitude Vineyards, 2004 Chardonnay

Richard Litsch began Solitude as a hobby when he was working at Chalone vineyards. His focus is on direct sales in California to restaurants and specialty retailers. He personally handles all sales calls, and often delivers the wine himself (he was in Joseph George, the day I bought this bottle). Solitude produces about 5000 cases of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir each year. This wine reminds me of the Rombauer Chardonnays of old, buttery, soft fruit textures, heavily oak’d, with a firm full taste. Well worth the price, which is very modest.