2005 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

Bright aromas of pineapple and lemon zest fill the nose while tropical fruit flavors greet the palate and are highlighted by notes of vanilla and hints of spice. The mouthfeel is smooth and luscious and the wine finishes clean and refreshing.

Vineyards

Known for its extended growing season and unique eastwest valleys, Santa Barbara County offers grapes every opportunity to ripen to their fullest and deliver fruit with concentrated flavors and colors. Cool breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean keep the temperatures mild and even most of the year, further enhancing fruit quality.

Winemaking

Immediately after harvest, the whole clusters were sent directly to press in order to extract the juice as soon as possible and avoid any bitterness pickup from the skins. A cool ferment was employed to retain freshness. In order to maintain the emphasis on the fruit, the wine was not put through malolactic fermentation nor aged in oak.

Winemaker

Ron Schrieve

Technical Details

Alcohol: 13.9%
pH: 3.53
Total Acidity: 0.64 g/100ml
Harvest Date: September to October 2005

 

Ratings & Reviews

Wine Spectator (April 30, 2008)
"California Values at a Glance."

 

All About Beer Magazine (The Truth About Celebrity Wines, May 2007)
"This Chardonnay is refreshing with tropical hints and just a slight vanilla-oak touch. The wine emerges from the bottle ready to be consumed." - Rick Lyke