California - Day 11 (Monterey)

It's time to move on and yesterday we headed to Monterey.  That will be our stopping point and from there we will do a one day trip to Paso Robles.  The only thing we had planned for yesterday was lunch in Castroville, the "Artichoke Capitol of the World".  We love a good artichoke and what better place to eat them.  Destination, the Giant Artichoke Restaurant.  I've been there before with Dave and once with my best friend Lucy.   Yum.

After our artichoke fix and checking into the hotel we walked around Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf in search of a restaurant that Dave and I could agree on.  I want seafood, he wants meat.  While walking, enjoying the cool breeze and sunny afternoon, we notice the various restaurants are giving out samples of their clam chowder.  THAT would be how we'd pick a restaurant.  Who ever had the best chowder is where we'd eat.  Oy, glad I tasted (Dave doesn't do seafood).  The chowders went from good to down right nasty.  The "winner" was Domenico's.  

Domenico's was on the water and we requested a table at the window.  Outside there were seals chilling at the base of the pier and romping in the water.  A pelican perched on the pylon.  Row upon row of docked boats.   All in all a serene view.  However, the best sight was a man and his dog paddling by.  Oh, and the food was good.

As I've digressed from wine, I'll get to it.  After not tasting all day, Dave and I needed "a fix".  With dinner we  ordered  J Lohr 2009 Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay.  

J Lohr 2009 Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay was the perfect selection.  Crisp and refreshing, pairing well with my seafood.  The aroma a delightful nectarine, and tropical fruit.  Flavor lemon, nectarine, and a hint of oak. Slight creaminess on your palate.  Enjoy.  I know we did.

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright and youthful straw-yellow color. The aromas are of lime zest, ripe pear, nectarine and pineapple with caramel, butterscotch, honey and vanilla perfume from the barrel fermentation and sur lie aging. The flavors are complex and rich with citrus, stone fruit and barrel toastiness gracefully balanced by fresh acidity, creating a very flavorful and wonderfully balanced Chardonnay.