All of the Chardonnay used was harvested from the cool climate Bien Nasheed Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley AVA. Fermented in old barrels (28% new barrels). Stirring the lees once every two weeks for 4 months, malolactic fermentation, and aging in barrels for 10 months. Fruity aromas are melded with carefully balanced acidity. This attractive, crisp white wine is dominated by notes of honey, pear and orange blossom, as well as notes of citrus fruit. The love of the producers has expressed the best quality of this production area here. Wine Advocate 90 points, Jeb Dunnuck 90 points, Vinous 90 points
100% Chardonnay
*Because this product is purchased from a cooperative importer, it may take an extra 1-2 business days to ship.
The truly distinctive flavors from the cool Northern and Western extremes of Santa Barbara County come together in this bottle. Here, our love of blending has resulted in a marriage of exceptional fruit aromas with carefully balanced acidity, capturing the best qualities of the area. melon, Asian pear, orange blossom, as well as citrus notes, are highlighted in this appealingly crisp white wine.
Critical Acclaim
90 pts Wine Enthusiast
Light lemon, wet chalk and smoked white-peach aromas show on the nose of this county-wide bottling, which is all from Clone 4 grapes. It lands on the palate cleanly, with flavors of white peach, lemongrass and a touch of butterscotch toward the finish.
90pts Wine Spectator
Juicy, featuring dried mint and sage accents to the taut melon, apple and pear tart flavors. Doughy notes show midpalate, with a finish that offers hints of buttery richness.
90 pts Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Chardonnay is a blend of Santa Barbara County fruit and spent 10 months in 28% new French oak. It has a ripe, toasty bouquet of white peach, pineapple, spice, and honeysuckle. It's clean, fleshy, nicely balanced, and impeccably made as well as a good value.
90 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Chardonnay has a toasty nose with warm apple, white peach, Bosc pear and stony notes. Medium-bodied, it offers good intensity of buttery/nutty fruits in the mouth with juicy acidity and a long finish.