Winemaker Charlie Wagner makes his Silver Chardonnay in it's purest form - with no oak contact. It is 100% Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay that he makes in concrete vats. And, in what I think is a brilliant move, Charlie is releasing the 2008 vintage in gorgeous, grey ceramic bottles that represent those very concrete vats where the wine is made.
It is surprisingly golden in colour with rich, caramel and leesy notes woven with honeysuckle, mineral citrus, melon and pineapple. The palate is rounded and creamy with tropical fruit and melon but layered with crisp citrus flavours and followed by a long bright, lightly spiced finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - August 12th, 2010

Complexity, vibrancy, succulent.
Silver's hefty ceramic bottle has been replaced by a glass one, but it still pays homage to the concrete vats where the wine is made and aged.
Always pleasing, the 2015 delivers notes of tangerine, juicy pineapple chunks, succulent honey, roasted yellow apples and musky undertones with a mineral core. It is intense; liqueur-like in its concentration. Flavours of vanilla, wildflower honey, creamy golden fruit and warm buttery undertones make for a delicious wine. There is no lack of freshness, however.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 8th, 2018

Winemaker, Charlie Wagner makes his Silver Chardonnay in it's purest form - with no oak contact. It is 100% Santa Lucia Highlands fruit and it is made in concrete vats. A brilliant idea, in 2008, Charlie began releasing it in attractive (and reusable), grey ceramic bottles that represent those very concrete vats where the wine is made.
Expect brown butter, spiced honey, mineral and pineapple chunks and yellow apple notes. It has a lovely richness in the mouth with wonderful freshness. Impressive concentration with flavours of spiced butter, lemon zest, lees and coriander. Great persistence with interesting savoury components and a long, mouthwatering finish.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 22nd, 2013

Levity, creamy, alluring.
The Mer Soleil 'Gold' Barrel Fermented Chardonnay is a a Reserve Chardonnay, recognized for its alluring notes of golden apples, acacia, honeycomb and whipped butter mixed with brown spices. It is creamy with spiced nuts and buttery pastry flavours, the long finish trails with the taste of vanilla
Pair with grilled cheese of smoked cheddar and pears on toasted sourdough, warm buttery cornbread or grilled chicken.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 21st, 2019

Levity, creamy, decadent.
The Mer Soleil 'Gold' Barrel Fermented Chardonnay is a a Reserve Chardonnay, recognized for its decadent pineapple, honeysuckle, vanilla, sweet butter, brown spices and yellow apple aromas. Expressive and plush fruit is bolstered by mouthwatering acidity; it is creamy but mostly fresh with excellent concentration, length and levity.
Pair with grilled cheese of smoked cheddar and pears on toasted sourdough, warm buttery cornbread or grilled chicken.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 5th, 2018