Long before Chardonnay was widely produced throughout the United States, a small band of vintners from Santa Maria were experimenting with this classic varietal. They discovered that Santa Maria’s long, cool growing season and maritime influences create Chardonnays of greater dimension. Our vineyard designate Chardonnay reflects these qualities, and is tinged with the vibrant scents of ripe stone fruits, Meyer lemon, and orange zest. 

The grapes for this Chardonnay came from the famous Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley appellation. After being pressed and settled, the juice was barrel-fermented in a mixture of new (45%) and older French oak barrels. After primary fermentation was completed, the Chardonnay then went through total malolactic fermentation. The lees were stirred over a 4-month period with a total barrel aging time of 10 months.

94 - Wine Enthusiast