Two wineries from the Santa Luca Highlands desire mention when talking about California AVAs – Morgan and Talbott. I was lucky enough to try the Chardonnay from Talbott and the Pinot Noir from Morgan this past weekend. Truly stellar wines with a “judicious”use of oak, as a friend said while we were tasting them. Neither wine, despite high alcohol, overwhelmed the food.

Santa Lucia is considered a premier location for these cool climate grapes and the resident California expert who was with us gave his seal of approval to our choices as well. I was very impressed with both of these wines and with their relatively moderate price on a restaurant list.

Kudos to the area which became an AVA in 1991 but had an earlier flourish in the 1970s and the 1980s. I have never been to central California before but will surely be going back to visit wineries soon.