The 2013 is pale gold in color with aromas of stone fruit and pineapple. On the palate it has substance and is supported by a pleasant acidity. The flavors reflect fresh pear and white peach along with fuji apple. The finish is long and substantial.
Winemaking Notes
The 2013 Chardonnay was harvested by hand in mid September. After hand sorting and a gentle whole cluster press, the wine was allowed to cold settle overnight before fermentation commenced in barrel. (20% new French, 80% neutral French.) The wine remained in barrel, sur-lie until bottling. Total elevage was 12 months.
Wine Origin
Santa Maria Valley is the northernmost AVA of Santa Barbara County. The Santa Maria Valley AVA is one of the most unique in the world because it is situated between one of the few transverse mountain ranges within North and South America. The ranges are the San Rafael Mountains to the north and the Solomon Hills Mountains to the south. This East – West valley creates a funnel of air from the Pacific Ocean that travels across the entire valley to create constant temperatures all year long.