Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2022 (Reserve)

A beautifully balanced Monterey Chardonnay from the Wagner family

Mer Soleil Chardonnay has always been one of those wines I return to time and time again. Made by the Wagner family—the same winemakers behind Caymus—this Chardonnay from Monterey County offers an excellent balance between richness and restraint. This vintage (2022 – Reserve) is lightly oaked with a subtle, toasty almond note. It’s never overly buttery, yet still full-bodied and smooth. For me, it started out as one of my early go-to choices when I was just beginning to explore Chardonnay wines. Even now, it remains a reliable favorite, especially when I want something familiar and consistently enjoyable at a great value.

This is also one of those wines you’ll often come across at restaurants, and the price point usually isn’t too bad. Of course, we all know how restaurant wine pricing works—a glass can sometimes feel like it costs as much as the bottle. #WineMath