Cima Collina

This is the second vintage of Cima Collina Chardonnay from the Chula Vina Vineyard, which sits in the foothills of the Gabilan Mountains in the northeastern part of the Monterey AVA. And as she did in 2004, Annette Hoff has crafted one terrific Chardonnay here.

The wine displays racy lemon and pear flavors, hints of hazelnut and a core of brisk acidity. It’s a Chardonnay that offers plenty of weight and a long finish. The Chardonnay at the Chula Vina Vineyard is planted at the top of the slope, where the soil is primarily decomposed granite, and the wine reflects a pleasant minerality. Hoff practices minimalist winemaking: The wine is barrel-fermented in French oak (most of the barrels are 3 years old, 12 percent are new), aged on the lees for 10 months, then bottled without fining, filtering or cold stabilization. Its zippy acidity makes this wine, which sells for $33, a great match for a range of foods, ranging from chilled oysters or simple grilled fish to richer, more elaborate preparations like seared scallops in beurre blanc or creamy seafood pasta.

Reviewed May 7, 2007 by Laurie Daniel.