Winemaker Notes
All our Chardonnays are fermented and aged in the Burgundian tradition. Our Sierra Mar Chardonnay grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed and fermented using a special selection of yeasts. This Chardonnay undergoes a complete malo-lactic fermentation in barrel to enhance richness and complexity. In addition, each barrel is hand stirred every two weeks until shortly before final blending and bottling.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Hearty aromas of buttercream and hot peach pie are rich but likable on the nose of this bottling. The palate follows the course, delivering caramel, vanilla, baked apple and plenty of baking spice for a lush sip.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.