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2020 Bien Nacido Estate Chardonnay

Lightly depressed cork

Removed from a professional wine storage facility; Purchased direct from winery

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

94The Wine Advocate

...pretty scents of golden apples, burnt lemon peel, dried tarragon and lots of spicy accents with a gentle creaminess in the background. Medium-bodied and satiny, the palate boasts concentrated citrus underpinned by sparks of mineral character and bright acidity, finishing long and mineral driven.

93Wine Spectator

Remarkably intense and vivid, with white peach, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine and savory notes of tahini and crunchy sea salt, plus aromas of fresh-clipped herbs and green tea that linger on the long, expressive and sleek finish.

93Vinous / IWC

...gorgeous wine that shows the more overt side of this site. Apricot, tangerine peel, chamomile and tropical accents are dialed up.

93Jeb Dunnuck

Lots of classic buttered stone fruits, toasted hazelnut, and chalky minerality...rich, concentrated, balanced, age-worthy Chardonnay from this great site.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

TYPE

White Wine, Chardonnay

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.