SLO Chardonnay 2021

Located in the cool hills of California's Central Coast, the Chamisal vineyard stretches in the immediate vicinity of San Luis Obispo, not far from the Pacific Ocean. The parcels benefit from a distinct maritime climate, with morning mists and sunny afternoons that promote a slow and balanced ripening of the grapes. The varied soils, a blend of clay, silt, and limestone influences, impart structure and tension to the wines. This privileged location in the heart of the Edna Valley AVA gives the Chardonnay a ripe, vibrant, and elegant expression.

Sourced from coastal vineyards harvested at optimal ripeness, this Chardonnay is vinified with gentle pressing of whole bunches, followed by fermentation primarily in oak barrels to develop texture and aromatic complexity. A portion of the blend may be aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit, while aging on fine lees, with regular stirring, adds roundness and volume to the palate. The overall aim is a balance between richness, saline minerality, and vibrant acidity, characteristic of the house style.

This wine reveals notes of stone fruit , ripe citrus , and tropical fruit , enhanced by delicate touches of white flowers , hints of vanilla and sweet spices , as well as a light toasty oak character and a mineral backbone. The palate is ample and creamy, carried by a fresh acidity that balances the richness, with a silky texture and a lingering finish that is both juicy and elegantly saline.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.