A Virtual Visit to Draper & Esquin

By Thom Elkjer, Wine Editor

Draper & Esquin is a virtual winery with strong ties to Monterey. It’s currently offering a tasty “Tour de France” four-pack that includes a Monterey Cab and Merlot plus a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from further south in the Central Coast. The bottles feature Graham Watson photos of the famed bicycle race, and their contents are like a trip to France as well: balanced, dinner-ready wines with some luxurious bottle age. Price is $80 in a carton or $105 in a wooden box that makes a great gift. Contact Draper & Esquin at www.draperandesquin.com or (877) 322-9685.

	Draper & Esquin Chardonnay Edna Valley Wolff Vineyard 2001: pleasing floral and fruit aromas and flavors, serious weight and texture, and oak flavors that start strong but integrate quickly; the finish echoes the aromas perfectly.
	Draper & Esquin Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard 2000: classic Pinot Noir strawberry and rhubarb aromas and flavors, plus nice earth tones, good texture and expansive warmth in the aftertaste.
	Draper & Esquin Merlot Monterey County 1999: another classic varietal nose featuring red plums and soft oak influence; excellent general juiciness in your mouth, cleansing grip on the palate, and some linger in the finish.
	Draper & Esquin Cabernet Sauvignon Monterey County 1999: could fool the French with its aromas and flavors of red fruit, bell pepper and warm earth, not to mention its balance of sweetness and acidity and raw-silk texture.