Tasting Notes
Our 2005 Chardonnay offers nuanced aromas of pear, melon and golden apple with hints of lemon zest and caramel. A medium-weight palate unfolds with flavors of pineapple, pear and citrus. Accents of flint and vanilla linger on a clean, refreshing finish.
Winegrowing Notes
Our 2005 vintage comes from our estate vineyards in coastal Santa Barbara County. Here, we are blessed by a "transverse" mountain range that opens up to the Pacific Ocean. The resulting influx of cool marine air extends the growing season, enabling our Chardonnay grapes to develop fully defined flavors while retaining excellent acidity and structure.
Winemaking Notes
The grapes were picked in the cool morning hours to maintain fruit integrity. After light pressing, the juice was cold settled and racked, then cold fermented in stainless steel tanks for retention of natural acidity and vivid fruit flavors. French and American oak aging brought added complexity and structure to the wine.
Cuisine Pairing
The tropical fruit and citrus character of our 2005 Chardonnay pairs nicely with medium-weight cuisine such as chicken with lemon and herbs, grilled pork loin, pasta in butter sauce and sea bass with lemon olive oil.
About Our Vineyard Select Series
Our Vineyard Select wines celebrate our pioneering commitment to winemaking excellence on California’s Central Coast. For these wines, our winemaking team ventures beyond our estate, working with local growers to source grapes from premier appellations across the Central Coast. These approachable and affordable wines ultimately showcase the Central Coast as one of the world’s most versatile winegrowing regions. |
