“The unsung hero of the Central Coast,” Arroyo Seco can be found in the heart of Monterey County, and Scott Family Estate (part of the Rutherford Ranch group) calls this region home to its production of classic varietal wines endemic to this region.

Today we look at two new releases from Scott Family, both highly affordable options.

2016 Scott Family Estate Chardonnay Arroyo Seco Dijon Clone – Straightforward but approachable and fruit-heavy, this creamy chardonnay finds balance in modest acid, some almond notes, and a hint of tropical fruit, particularly mango. Quite food-friendly, but fine on its own. B+ / $18

2015 Scott Family Estate Pinot Noir Arroyo Seco Dijon Clone – A somewhat beefy wine, it’s got an aggressive astringency that counters the heavy savory notes to some degree, but which leaves the wine a bit out of balance in the end, with some greener notes dominating en route to a sharp, very acidic finish. Notes of dried raspberry and bitter tree bark are intriguing but feel a bit out of place amidst some of the cacophony. B- / $25

rutherfordranch.com

2015 Scott Family Estate Pinot Noir Arroyo Seco Dijon Clone

$25

7

Rating

7.0/10

Related Stories:

Review: 2017 Scott Family Estate Pinot Noir Arroyo Seco Dijon Clone Review: Wines of Rutherford Wine Co. – Scott Family, Rutherford Ranch, and Two Range, 2015 Vintage Review: 2015 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Review: 2016 Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay and Pinot Noir