TASTING NOTES

This vibrant wine delivers a bold citrus punch. Layers of oak, macadamia nuts, and vanilla are followed by lemon zest. Notes of grapefruit, kumquat, and yuzu linger throughout the palate. Its high acidity harmonizes beautifully with the influence of new French oak, promising endless aging potential.

WINEMAKER NOTES

The fruit for “Nuits-Blanches” Chardonnay traditionally represents the best of Bien Nacido Vineyard “K Block”, in the Santa Maria Valley. Block “K” at Bien Nacido is one of the original blocks planted at Bien Nacido in early 1973 and is one of the best. Planted all to UC Davis clone 4, this clone in the cool Santa Maria Valley yields grapes low in pH at a ripe sugar level. A low pH Chardonnay will age better, integrate oak better, and pair with food better. Le Bon Climat is planted with Dijon Clones 76 and 96 which have riper characteristics at lower sugar than the Davis clones. The small amount of Le Bon Climat Chardonnay blended into this wine adds a nice layer of complexity and texture. 

The chardonnay experienced slow ripening and a cool harvest, and then handpicked at optimal acidity. After pressing, the wine was barrel fermented in 100% new French oak barrels. After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine aged gracefully on lees for one year before being racked and returned to barrels for an additional 8 months of aging.