2021 Bien Nacido Chardonnay
Our 2021 Cordant Chardonnay comes from Bien Nacido Vineyard located in the Santa Maria Valley, one of the most famous Chardonnay vineyards in California. Due to its location on an east-west transverse mountain range, these vines thrive from mild sunny days combined with a significant coastal influence of morning fog and cool afternoon breezes from the Pacific Ocean. Soils are sandy and chalky, which provides good drainage for the vines, and when combined with the coastal influence, the grapes ripen slowly and have extended hang-time on the vines which results in great flavor development.
- 93 points: Jeb Dunnick
We pick Chardonnay to the old adage “if the grapes taste good, you’re too late”. The grapes therefore are picked to optimize their acid profile. They are whole-cluster pressed to ensure clean juice, settled overnight, and then barreled down for fermentation (about ⅓ new French Oak). Fermentation begins spontaneously and temperatures are checked daily. We like to ferment Chardonnay slightly warmer than other whites in order to accentuate the chalky texture. The barrels are then topped and undergo 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine ages for 14 months on the lees and is only racked once prior to bottling. Nothing fancy, just great grapes and honest winemaking.
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Appellation | Santa Maria Valley |
| Vineyard | Bien Nacido Vineyard |
| Alcohol | 13.90% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 03/29/2021 |
| Cases Produced | 210 |
