The Dreaming Tree Chardonnay Central Coast 2013: Straw gold color; mouthful of juicy pear, peach flavors on the attack, citrus tingle and honey-vanilla on the finish; toasty oak, medium-full body; a straight-forward, friendly pour at decent price; works well as a laid-backer sipper and will pair with food thanks to 3.45 pH acidity. The Central Coast AVA extends from Santa Barbara County in the south to San Francisco Bay in the north and is cooled by the Pacific Ocean to the west; chardonnay and pinot noir are vineyard stars—chardonnay accounts for more than half of the grape acres. This is very pleasant example of the AVA’s middle-range offerings. The Dreaming Tree is collaboration between South African musician Dave Matthews and acclaimed Simi-based winemaker Steve Reeder; taste with the Dave Matthews Band “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King” album playing in the background. As you might expect from a rock star and rock-star winemaker alliance, this is environmentally friendly effort, with lightweight bottles, 100% recycled paper labels, black ink printing (no bleaching), recyclable corks, and Wine Institute certification as sustainable agriculture. Rock on and enjoy with a clean conscience. $14
