Santa Barbara County
For the second year in a row the weather was fine and the vines responded with a huge crop of grapes. To get the best quality we trimmed and thinned that crop, but it didn’t seem to make any difference, in almost every vineyard the quantity harvested was way above expectations. And while this can theoretically be troubling for quality, overtaxing the vines can lead to dilute wines, it didn’t work that way in 2013. Instead, we got in grapes that produced wines with lots of character that are both easy going and delicious!
The vintage was so positive that the wines we selected for our single vineyard designated chardonnays were only fractionally better than what went into this Santa Barbara County blend—which means the price to quality ratio here is excellent.
The lively tone of this chardonnay makes it a natural compliment to a wide variety of foods. This wine was barrel fermented, and completed the malolactic fermentation and barrel aged on the lees until bottling. It is precocious, and yet there is a real intensity that makes it a fascinating wine to drink. Mind you, this isn’t like your Mother’s oaky Chardonnay — our style here is fresh and zesty!
Blend: 57% Solomon Hills, 39% from Puerta del Mar, 4% from Bien Nacido | Alc: 13.5% | Vinification: 100% Neutral French Oak | Barrel Aging: 10 Months | Total Production: 726 cases
Press Reviews
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“Light yellow. Fresh melon, peach and pear on the fragrant nose, lifted and sharpened by a suggestion of smoky minerals. Pliant and expansive on the palate, offering juicy pit and orchard fruit flavors, a bracing jolt of Meyer lemon and a touch of bitter herbs. Closes dry, chewy and long, with solid punch and an echo of smokiness.” – JR 90 Points
