Santa Barbara County

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I particularly like chardonnay from some of the outlying districts of Burgundy. Sure, rich oak-y Puligny Montrachet is showy and impressive, but sometimes delicate Chablis or even Macon from a great producer makes a better match with food. That’s what we had in mind when we crafted this wine. From close planted younger vines at Bien Nacido, it’s a lighter bodied, crisp and juicy chardonnay that just sings with food. This wine is alive, fresh and approachable today. It’s friendly enough to have as a cocktail, yet sufficiently refreshing to have with your next plate of raw oysters! This wine is emblematic of our intentions for all the wines we produce–which is to continue pushing beyond the expected and attempt to craft something sublime.

The wine was barrel aged for 8 months in neutral french. While in barrel the lees were stirred to encourage malo-lactic fermenation as well as add weight to the wine. SO2 was not added until bottling, therefore brioche and yeasty notes developed and built aromatic complexity.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay | Vineyard: Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills | Alc: 13.5% | Vinification: 100% Neutral French Oak | Barrel Aging: 10 Months | Total Production: 644 cases

Press Reviews

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2009 Chardonnay possesses gorgeous depth. Rich layers of varietal fruit sit on a big frame. This is far from an easygoing Chardonnay. Rather it is a wine endowed with considerable depth and intensity. Rich varietal notes come to life on the layered finish. The Chardonnay is made from young vines from Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills. This is a gorgeous showing.” – AG 90 Points

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

“(made from the fruit of younger vines in the Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills vineyards):  Bright yellow.  Highly fragrant scents of fresh orchard and citrus fruits, along with suave floral and spice nuances.  Juicy and focused on the palate, offering sappy orange and honeysuckle flavors and sneaky spiciness.  The brisk finish features very good cut and snap.” – JR 90 Points