2006 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

Growing Region

Known for its extended growing season and unique east-west valleys, Santa Barbara County offers grapes every opportunity to ripen to their fullest, thus delivering concentrated flavors and structure to the finished wines. Cool breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean keep the temperatures mild and even most of the year, further enhancing fruit quality. Sandstone and limestone soils offer little in the way of nutrients, forcing the vines to struggle for growth, thereby producing berries packed with flavor intensity. A majority of the fruit for this wine came from Cat Canyon, which through its higher elevation and thus larger diurnal shifts in temperature, the grapes produce lovely acidity and intense tropical fruit flavors.

Winemaker's Notes

Greg Norman was very specific when he met with Winemaker Ron Shrieve to determine the appellations for his portfolio of California wines. The inherent tropical fruit flavors found in Santa Barbara County Chardonnay were a perfect fit for the wine style that Greg envisioned.

The 2006 Santa Barbara Chardonnay begins with bright aromas of pineapple and lemon zest. Forward 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.

Technical Details

Appellation: Santa Barbara County, California
Alcohol: 13.9%
pH: 3.53
Total Acidity: 0.64 g/100ml
Harvest Date: September to October 2006
Bottle Date: May 2007

 

Ratings & Reviews

Wine Enthusiast (September 2008)
"Editor's Choice. The Australian golf legend now makes wine in California. Compared to your usual fruity Chard, this one's lean and minerally and high in acidity. But it's very clean, with tantalizing suggestions of lemon meringue and Key lime pie, and actually has a lot going for it. " - Steve Heimoff

 

Colorado Wine News (July-September 2008)
"Aromas and flavors of oak, lots of cream, sweet apple, and carambmola, which finish long, and medium-broad. Well put together. Tasty. " - Harold Baer

 

Sante Magaine (July/August 2008)
"The vanilla, lemon peel, and butter on the nose are also present on the palate, creating a pleasant marmalade-on-toast character; not overly heavy."

 

The Capital (July 16, 2008)
"Pineapple and citrus aromas followed by tropical fruit, oak and spice flavors. From Santa Barbara County, it is a great value." - Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr

 

Wine Spectator (July 1, 2008)
"Sleek, with vibrant green apple, lemon, citrus and nectarine flavors that are crisp and refreshing, with a clean aftertaste. Drink now. " - James Laube

 

The Forum (April 24, 2008)
"An exceptional wine whose aroma is over-flowing with vanilla, melon, clove, honey and spice. The flavor prominently displays apple, orange blossom, vanilla and the typical summer fruits that are an integral part of Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County. The summer fruits and apple carry over to the very long and complex finish and are complimented with hints of tropical fruits. The wine also has that soft, velvet, buttery mouthfeel... Near perfect Chardonnay..." - Sheila Bodenstein