Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

STORM · Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, CA, USA
The Chardonnay for this wine is sourced from Nielson Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, as well as Donnachadh and Wenzlau in the Sta. Rita Hills. On the nose, it offers notes of brioche, key lime pie, and a subtle hint of flint. The palate is bright and fresh, with vibrant flavors of lemon-lime, Asian pear, and crisp apple.

Farming
Sustainable, no herbicides

Harvest Method
Hand harvested

Varietal
100% Chardonnay

Age of Vineyard
Nielson planted in 1995, Donnachadh planted 2013, Wenzlau, planted in 2007

Vessel
Vessel Oak barrel and Stainless steel

Vineyard Yield
2 tons per acre

Soil Type
Nielson Gravely Sandy Loam, Donnachadh Silty Alluvial Cobble River Rock Soils, Wenzlau Silty Alluvial Rocky Soils

Vinification
Fruits are hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness. Upon arrival at the winery, the clusters were crushed prior to pressing. The juice is then transferred to barrel with a relatively high level of solids, leaving behind only the heaviest sediment. Fermentation occurred with native yeasts, and the wine remained on its lees for 10 months. Both primary and malolactic fermentations can take up to six months to complete. The lees were stirred monthly to enhance texture. Approximately 25% new French oak was used. Following barrel aging, the wine spent an additional four months in stainless steel to develop flinty notes and refine the mouthfeel.