2007 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.
Winemkaing:
The 2007 vintage proved to be a stellar year for Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. The fruit came in evenly ripe, with luscious, up-front tropical flavors. Each lot was kept separate. 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. To maintain the rich and balanced flavor profile a small amount (14%) of the wine was fermented in seasoned American and French oak for a period of six months.
Winemaker's Notes:
The 2007 Santa Barbara Chardonnay begins with lifted 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.
Food Pairing:
Try this full-bodied Chardonnay with freshly grilled rosemary citrus marinated chicken breast topped with mango pineapple chutney or grilled Gruyere cheese sandwiches served with butternut squash soup.
Technical Information:
Appellation: Santa Barbara County, California
Alcohol: 13.9%
pH: 3.47
Total Acidity: 0.64 g/100ml
Harvest Date: September to October 2007
Bottle Date: May 2008
Release Date: August 2008
Ratings & Reviews
Santé Magainel (May 1, 2009)
"Apricot and peach pit aromas with peach and citrus flavors; full bodied and balanced with a long, citrusy finish.'
The Capital (Jan. 21, 2009)
"This is an excellent value in the Chardonnay category. Pineapple and citrus aromas with ripe tropical fruit flavors and a touch of vanilla. " - Tom Marquardt & Patrick Darr
East Valley Tribune (Phoenix, AZ) (Dec. 17, 2008)
"The Shark continues to win friends and influence wine drinkers with his imminently drinkable and affordable wines, this one from an area known for knockout Chardonnay. The long growing season here imparts marine-mineral nuance and ripe tropical fruit. The smooth palate and rich fruit speaks of California's bounty. Enjoy with your own holiday spread." - Mark Nothaft
