theCompass
 Home   Map   Blog Roll   WineCompass   Wine 101   My Compass 

Chardonnay - Santa Barbara County,

Chardonnay - Santa Barbara County, Wine Details
Price: $15.00 per bottle

Description: In this unusually warm year the vintage began at least three weeks earlier than normal for Chardonnay. Early spring weather was cold, retarding the vines early growth and ultimately limiting crop size. The grapes were hand harvested and delivered to the winery in small bins where they were gently pressed and cold fermented. After a long fermentation the new wine was racked to French oak barrels and patiently aged for seven months. This is a luscious, well balanced Santa Barbara Chardonnay with fresh, vibrant pineapple and tropical fruit aromas and flavors.

Varietal Definition
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted grape crop in California and dominates California’s cooler, coastal, quality wine regions. The natural varietal ‘taste and smell’ of Chardonnay is surprisingly unfamiliar to many wine drinkers, as its true character is often guised with dominating winemaking signatures. Chardonnay’s rather subdued primary fruit characteristics lean toward the crisp fruitiness of apples, pears and lemon, but the variety’s full body is capable of supporting a host of complementary characteristics, such as oak, butter and vanilla. Regardless of what is the appropriate style for Chardonnay, the varietal continues to dominate vineyard plantings in every corner of the world. Close attention to clonal selection has made this broad geographic and climactic range of Chardonnay viable in thoughtful viticultural hands.


Reviews




Back to Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards information