Winemaker Notes
Duvarita vineyard is located in Santa Barbara County, west of the Sta. Rita Hills. The Chardonnay blocks provide a small, consistent crop, notable for its impeccable balance between expressive stone fruits and melons and bright but round acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Bright, clean citrus, white flowers, and a kiss of herbs all show on the nose of the 2019 Chardonnay Duvarita Vineyard, a medium-bodied, bright, elegant Chardonnay that comes from cool, westerly site just outside the AVA lines of the Sta. Rita Hills. Aged in 35% larger oak barrels, I love its balance, and it has integrated acidity as well as a touch of brioche and toastiness on the finish, all making for an outstanding, classic Santa Barbara County Chardonnay that will keep for 5-7 years.
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.