2023 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

El Camino, Los Alamos, Bien Nacido, Yellow Foxtrot, Rodney’s, Ashley’s, Rio Vista, Parker West Vineyards, all in Santa Barbara County

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged in French and Hungarian oak, of which 28% was new

Technical Data

Composition

100% Chardonnay

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.641 g/100mL

3.61

Harvest Brix

22.2-25.5

Harvest Date

10/20-11/3/23

Production

33,954 cases

Description

We are very excited to release the brand new vintage of our most popular white wine, the Santa Barbara County Chardonnay! In recent vintages we have been able to secure grapes from fabulous vineyards in Santa Maria Valley, Los Alamos and even a little from the acclaimed Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Blair and the team have refined the style of this wine to deliver a refreshing, balanced expression of Chardonnay highlighted tropical fruit flavors backed by lifted acidity. This is also a darling of wine critics consistently earning 90 point reviews along with “best value” accolades.

Since 1989 our family owned and operated winery has produced wines of superior quality and value. This delicious and approachable wine represents the best of what Santa Barbara County Chardonnay has to offer. Flavors of ripe apple, butter, lemon, and melon are perfectly balanced with light toasty oak on the palate.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...soars from the glass with striking aromatics. Hints of apricot, lemon peel, white flowers and crushed rocks follow. Effortless and gracious, the 2023 is a winner. The blend of sites picked at different levels of ripeness yields a Chardonnay of notable complexity, while a touch of Hungarian oak adds an attractive spicy character." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "This countywide cuvée is a very down-the-middle, benchmark style of Santa Barbara Chardonnay. Aromas of lime peel and baked apple lead from the nose into a texturally interesting palate that presents pear flavors awash in citrusy acidity." ~ Wine Enthusiast