Winemaker Notes
This is a classic cool climate Chardonnay made in a traditional style. Pale
straw color in the glass. Aromas of citrus, Anjou pears, baking spice, and
flint waft from the glass. Mouth-coating viscosity on the palate balanced by
naturally fresh, crisp acidity. Completely dry, this is an elegantly balanced and
structured Chardonnay.
Blend: 95% Chardonnay, 4% Marsanne, 1% Viognier
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Ripe nose of cooked apple, mango stone, buttered corn and vanilla. Full-bodied with a creamy, buttery palate. Concentrated and round with excellent length.
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Wine & Spirits
Qupé’s Y Block chardonnay has a forward scent of toast and pineapple, presaging the wine’s tropical richness. It’s all peach nectar in its flavors, but the wine keeps its balance, creamy and charming, for a butter chicken.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Qupe "Y" Block Chardonnay drinks firmly. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows plenty of oak and ripe fruit in its aromas and flavors. Enjoy it with grilled chicken kebabs. (Tasted: December 8, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.