Many fine boutique wines from Monterey County are only available as special liquor orders in our state stores. We do not list these wines in this column, but I suggest whenever you have a chance to shop for wines elsewhere, you look for wines from Lockwood, Ventana and Chateau Julien.

Paraiso Vineyards

Paraiso Vineyards, high in the hills of the Santa Lucia range, is a limited-production, boutique winery. The wines are hand-crafted from low-yield crops.

Paraiso Chardonnay 2004

PLCB # 16492 $17.99

This chardonnay is fermented in small barrels and aged in French oak. The wine smells of ripe apples and pears, has beautiful texture in the mouth and a very long finish.

Paraiso Pinot Noir 2004

PLCB #13152 $23.99

This pinot noir has rich cherry and plum accented with nuances of nutmeg, pepper, smoke and vanilla. It was awarded 90 points by Wine and Spirits Magazine in April 2007. Only 3,000 cases were made.

Talbott Vineyards

Talbott Vineyards was originally established in Carmel Valley where they still have vineyards which primarily grow cabernet sauvignon grapes. Their chardonnay and pinot noir fruit is grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands which is a region particularly well-suited to the two Burgundian grape varieties. Talbott's Kali Hart label is named for Robb Talbott's (of Talbott tie fame) youngest daughter and is meant to be consumed within a year of release.

Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay 2005

PLCB # 16219 $14.99

This medium-bodied wine has attractive tropical fruit and citrus aromas combined with minerals and some toasty French oak.

Other Monterey offerings to be found here:

Hahn Estates Meritage 2005

PLCB #11795 $15.99

You will find lush aromas of black cherry, plum and raspberry with touches of cedar and allspice. Agreeable tannins and good acidity provide a nice structure for the fruit.

The grapes are blended from traditional Bordeaux varieties grown at 1,000 feet elevation in the Santa Lucia Highlands and in the Arroyo Seco region.

Morgan Winery Pinot Noir 12 Clones 2004

PLCB # 12962 $28.99

An elegant pinot in the Burgundian style. Velvety texture and aromas of blackberry, red current, plums and spice. An extremely long finish. This winery has been making Burgundian-style wines since 1982.

Estancia Estates Winery Merlot (nonvintage)

PLCB # 12229 $9.99

The grapes in this wine are a combination of Monterey County and Pasa Robles AVA. The wine is full bodied with aromas of red fruits and hints of chocolate with weight in the mouth and a long finish.