Old vine Chardonnay planted in 1973.
Rancho Vineyard's own-rooted Chardonnay, planted in 1973. Clones are Wente and No. 72. 75% of the grapes come from the north block, 25% from the south block.
Fermentation is 75% in stainless steel tanks, 20% in new French oak barrels, and 5% in neutral barrels.
Aromas of lemon confit, apricot, mint and white flowers overflow from the glass. It is rich, full-bodied and sensual, yet fresh.
Native 9, made from Pinot Noir from a single vineyard by James Ontiveros, is the fruition of his dreams. During the pioneering days of California, his ancestors from Mexico acquired a vast plot of land in what is now Santa Maria Valley, and together with his parents, he reacquired a small plot, and in 1997 planted Pinot Noir seedlings on the 8-acre field with his own hands. The name "Native 9" was chosen because he is the ninth generation of his ancestors to have come to California. It is surrounded by famous vineyards such as Bien Nacido. He loves the terroir of Santa Maria Valley, with its loamy sand and cool sea breezes, and his Pinot Noir, which is carefully grown using organic farming and sustainable farming methods, fully expresses its characteristics in the wine. Despite the very small production, Native 9's quality has been recognized within the industry, and the winery is currently a member of IPOB (In Pursuit Of Balance), an organization that is creating a new trend in California wine. IPOB is a group that specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, placing importance on the inherent characteristics of each variety and seeking wines that express the terroir of the land, in other words, the pursuit of balance. Founded in 2001, this organization includes well-known California winemakers, and Native 9 was selected early on for its quality.