Winemaker Notes
We strive to create Chardonnays of textural purity, complexity and balance with classic tension. Complexity and balance are achieved by meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard, where each vineyard block is managed for appropriate canopy and proper yields. Tension and textural purity begin in the vineyard with low yields and balanced acidity at harvest. Native yeast fermentation in clean oak cooperage and aging on the lees aid in preserving the purity of texture. We age our wines on their lees, without racking, and constant topping. Moreover, each wine is bottled only after sufficient time in barrel to permit ideal evolution.We bottle single vineyard wines when wines from a particular vineyard express a unique character or sense of “place” and yet are complete wines of balance, harmony and interest.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Similarly colored, the 2017 Chardonnay Duvarita Vineyard comes from sandy, loamy soils and was brought up in 35% new, larger format French cigar barrels. Golden fruits, brioche, toasted spices, white flowers, and white currant notes all emerge from this incredibly layered, medium to full-bodied, textured effort. It's a powerful, sexy wine yet stays vibrant, balanced, and classically styled. It's a killer Santa Barbara County Chardonnay!
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Initially a bit limited by its coverlet of rich oak but, in short order, opening and filling out to reveal a well-woven mix of fully ripe apples and pears framed by sweet spice in both scent and taste, this full and fleshy working proves to be bigger and richer than it first seemed. It is, in fact, the kind of Chardonnay we would tag for service with particularly flavorful foods, and, even though showing the structure to last for a good while, additional age is in no way demanded and it is immensely satisfying right now.
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.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.