2006 Reserve Chardonnay

The Santa Rita Hills of the western Santa Ynez Valley is an area were local geography influences the climate to create conditions unusually well suited for growing world class Chardonnay. We give this wine a “reserve” designation because these grapes are harvested from distinct soil types and Chardonnay clones that yield the greatest flavor concentration and fruit intensity. The resulting wine is full-bodied and richly textured with complexity of flavor further enhanced by barrel fermentation.

Three to five years of bottle aging allows the wine to open up and show off well-integrated flavors. In 2006, Winemaker Bruce McGuire honed in on the Wente Clone blocks from our Lafond Vineyard our neighbor, Hill Top Ranch and the old Sanford and Benedict Vineyard just down Santa Rosa Road. Planted thirty years ago, one of the Lafond lots is 30% of the total blend and contributes aromatics and texture.

The other two vineyards were planted in the 1970’s in sand and gravel. These low vigor lots afford the wine great concentration and fruit. We find this full-bodied style to be an ideal match with hearty, rich foods like salmon, pork roast, and of course, lobster.

1321 cases produced

Suggested Retail 22.00

To order from the web.