Winemaker Notes
Reminiscent of the cold, crisp ocean waters of Big Sur, Inox unfolds with delicate aromatics of salty oyster brine and white flowers, enhanced with minerals and crushed chalk. Intense and refreshing acidity on the palate is supported by notes of Meyer lemon, juicy white strawberry and lime zest. Each sip crescendos with a lengthy and satisfying finish.
Enjoy with raw oysters, Thai mango salad, or Santa Barbara uni with a touch of sea salt.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from old vines planted in 1997 by Brent and Chad Melville, the 2023 Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox has a deeper nose of ripe citrus, pear, and minty herbs, and it's medium-bodied, has a round, layered, seamless mouthfeel, wonderful purity of fruit, and outstanding length. Both of these latest Chardonnays from Melville are terrific.
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Vinous
The 2023 Chardonnay Estate Clone 76 - Inox emerges from a parcel planted on sand on the western side of the vineyard, where the wind is strongest. Crushed rocks, white pepper, mint and lemon peel all race across the palate. This sculpted, tense Chardonnay is stark, gorgeous and wonderfully pure. It is especially fine with a good bit of air. I loved it.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced from western blocks that receive increased wind exposure, the 2023 Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel without malolactic fermentation. The nose is expectedly clean and citrus-driven, with a flashy, radiant energy that continues to build in the glass. The palate is focused and incisive, leading to a transparent, straightforward finish. While I prefer the added complexity and depth that comes from wood, this admirably avoids the overly clinical nature that many stainless-only Chardonnays display.
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.
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.