I had the opportunity to meet Marty and Mimi Moseley at their original tasting room in downtown Redding, CA some years ago. Since then they have expanded not only the size and space where they produce their wines but the variety of wines available as well to be enjoyed by those visiting. Marty and Mimi have always had the attitude “come as friends, leave a family”. As they expanded their winery this required help to make sure not only delightful wines continued to be produced, but that visitors would still feel welcome and part of the winery’s “family”.  Enters Ashley Pierce winemaker, who took on the task as the winery’s winemaker. While my last visit with Ashley was brief at an wine event in Northern California, I was able to try a few of the wines Ashley had produced. This tasting lead to an exchange about a couple of the wines she has brought from the cellar to the tasting room and I am looking forward to my next visit to check those wines out as well.

I would like to share now with you Moseley Family Cellars – 2016 Carneros Chardonnay Premier. Last time I checked with Ashley she informed me that they are out of the 2016 Premier but there is some good news! Moseley Family Cellars makes this same style of Chardonnay each year and they are on their 2019 vintage at the winery’s tasting room. Just a little something of interest for you Chardonnay lovers. The grapes for Moseley Family Cellars hale from the same vineyard that Rombauer gets their fruit. If you love Rombauer, you must check this Chardonnay out. This wine was Sur Lie aged for 6 months in 100% Stainless Steel - The lees in wine are essentially the dead yeast cells, leftover from the fermentation process. For many wine makers sur lie age for eight to ten months. The time spent on the lees, however, can vary greatly from a matter of weeks to upwards of 12 to 24 months. By in large the wine maker needs to determine the aging time as they go based on how the wine tastes. Determining how long is exactly what Ashley has done. The results a impressive and enjoyable. The early bottling of this world-class Chardonnay begins with beautiful white grapefruit and pear cider on the nose. As soon as you take a few sips there is a fresh acidity and bright citrus that reveal the true beauty of the Chardonnay grape. You begin to appreciate and taste what brings to mind and your palate that of green apple, pear tart with a hint of caramel and a creamy feel in your mouth. Layers of Meyer Lemon, and white plum. A smooth, clean finish.

Food pairing suggestions you might want to consider pairing with this wine.  Consider Bay Scallop Chowder, Fruited Curry Chicken Salad, Pear and Gorgonzola Salad, Crab Cakes, Avocado and Tuna Tapas, Salmon in oh so many ways, Grilled Marinated Shrimp, Fried or Grilled Chicken. Moseley Family Cellars participates in the California Corks Winery Experience Program and offers all California Corks members a two-for-one on wine tastings. Learn more about Moseley Family Cellars by visiting our California Winery Directory locate on our website or simply to (HERE)