#3 on the list goes to a relative newcomer who is taking the wine scene in the Greater Monterey Area to new levels!
Planting on their 25-acre vineyard only began in 2008, but I believe in a few years, Albatross Ridge is going to be at this top of this list. I’ve been to literally hundreds of wineries and tasting rooms, and Albatross Ridge has truly captured my attention.
It is impressive to see a newcomer emerge in this well-established industry, stir it up, and raise the metaphorical roof. I am a huge fan of their selection and of their really cool story you can read about (https://albatrossridge.com), but I digress – let’s talk about their wines!
1) Wine = 4.55
2) Price Point = 3.1
3) Service = 4.0
4) Decorum / Scenery = 3.8
5) X factor = 3.8
Overall: 4.00
(0-5 scale, anything above 2.5 you will have a good time)
As to be expected for the area, they showcase suburb Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Yet in a crowd of wineries where everyone does a solid Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Albatross is going the distance.
They typically make two Chardonnays and two Pinot Noirs every vintage, and their reds are the definition of what you’d hope for in the SLH – delicious bright cherry and a hint of earth & oak. I’ve tasted everything they offer between 2012-2015, and their wines just keep getting better. Wine fans, I am going on record here: Albatross Ridge is going to be big! They do wine right.
I enjoyed everything on their menu, and their wines left me pretty much speechless. I have no real criticisms for them other than their high price points (their quality is worth the cost though). Albatross Ridge is a must-visit!
This is the shortest article I have written, but that’s because you can easily read about Albatross’s history on their website; and when you’re good, you’re good (and they are *very* good)! No need to spice it up.
(Featured image sourced from Albatross Ridge FB Page, photo from Manny Espinoza)
