Talbott Vineyards Kali Hart, along with Logan and Sarah Case, are wines which founder Robb Talbott named after his three children. Kali Hart is the most affordable line, based on Sleepy Hollow Vineyard grapes and intended to be fruit-forward and accessible.

Robb Talbott created his first vineyard in 1982, Diamond T Estate in the hills of the Carmel Highlands. On a shoestring budget, he readied the 24-acre land for planting himself. Within four years, the vineyard was established, a winery had been constructed, and he had Chardonnay on the market.  Though Talbott Vineyards makes other wines, especially Pinot Noir, it is still best known for rich, yet balanced, Chardonnay that showcases Monterey County’s cool climate.

Talbott continued to develop vineyards and the brand. Eventually his holdings exceeded 700 vineyard acres in Monterey County. That includes the famous Sleepy Hollow Vineyard which had been established in the early 1970s and from which he’d been sourcing fruit before being able to take buy the vineyard. That vineyard is located in the northern part of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 

In his late 60’s, Talbott sold most of his holdings to Gallo in August, 2015. That included Sleepy Hollow Vineyard and the large winery in the Santa Lucia Highlands. He retained the Diamond T vineyard, but leases it and the co-located tasting room to Gallo as well. 

Gallo has maintained the traditional Talbott focus. The wines are all made from 100% estate fruit. David Coventry is the winemaker, having taken over from Dan Karlsen in 2016. Coventry has been working in the region for more than 20 years, starting with Chalone in 1997 and including stints at Cloninger, Morgan and Puma Road. He had also worked with Karlsen at Chalone.

Robb Talbott has been a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. After selling Talbott Vineyards, he created Moto Talbott in Carmel Valley. It’s one of the country’s best motorcycle museums and well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

The reviews below are based on samples.

2015 Talbott Vineyards Kali Hart Chardonnay, Monterey County 89 14.5% 750ml screw cap $20

Fruit-driven and flavorful on the nose and palate with tangy stone fruit, pineapple, lemon and poached yellow apple accented by touches of baking spice and lightly buttered toast. The palate has good presence with medium-plus body and satiny mouthfeel. Tasty and maintains its intensity even when well-chilled. A very good value. Drink now though 2021 with salads, white fish, crab or chicken.

2016 Talbott Vineyards Kali Hart Pinot Noir, Monterey County 90 14.6% 750ml screw cap $21

This Pinot Noir, largely based on Sleep Hollow Vineyard fruit, shows the dark red fruit common to the Santa Lucia Highlands. Black cherry and black raspberry predominate with whispers of smoke and baking spice adding interest. The long, cool growing season delivers deep ruby color, but medium body and very fine, well-integrated tannins. There’s just a hint of oak-derived bitterness on the finish which matches well with seared meat now, and will disappear with a little more age. The 2016 Talbott Vineyards Kali Hart is an excellent value in Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2022.

Copyright Fred Swan 2018. Photos courtesy of Talbott Vineyards and Moto Talbott. All rights reserved.