2020 Bien Nacido Chardonnay

Appellation

Santa Maria Valley

Varietal

Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Bien Nacido Vineyard (Block M & O) located in the Santa Maria Valley

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged for 8 months in 40% new French oak

Cooperage

Sirugue, Francois Freres, Cadus, Boutes

Technical Data

Composition

100% Chardonnay

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.660 g/100mL

3.32

Harvest Brix

22.8-24.8

Harvest Date

10/7-10/9/20

Production

966 cases

Description

Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Chardonnay by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. We have worked with fruit from this historically famous vineyard since 1990; the results have been fabulous!

This chardonnay is generous in texture but balanced by bright acidity. You will find aromas of pear, baked pineapple and graham cracker on the nose. The palate is expansive yet focused with forward tropical fruit flavors backed by attractive mineral and vanilla notes adding complexity. Enjoy!

Wine Critic Reviews

"The delicate yet detailed nature of this bottling is immensely appealing, starting with aromas of crisp nectarine, blanched almond and sea salt. The palate is quite complex, with familiar lemon-zest, white-flower and apple-peel touches, but also a more exotic streak of ginger." ~ Wine Enthusiast "The 2020 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard is exquisite. Bright and vibrant to the core, the Bien Nacido is super-complex and also expressive of site. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint, apricot and light tropical accents lend nuance to this creamy, supremely balanced Chardonnay from Fess Parker. The 2020 is impressive." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "The 2020 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard brings the quality up a level, offering ripe orchard fruits, white pepper, and some charcoal and mineral nuances. It's medium-bodied and has a fleshy, layered mouthfeel, good acidity, and outstanding length." ~ Jeb Dunnuck