2012 Tyler Winery Chardonnay

Tyler Winery was started in 2005 when Justin Willett, a young Santa Barbara winemaker, decided to make his own wines. He’d been an assistant winemaker for Arcadian Winery but started sourcing grapes from such legendary local vineyards as Bien Nacido and Sanford & Benedict. More recently he’s acquired his own Sta. Rita Hills estate vineyard where he has planted 26 acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Antonio Galloni of Vinous has rated Tyler wines in the mid- to high-90s and described Tyler’s 2015 vintage like this: “Justin Willett made some of the most memorable wines of the 2015 vintage. His Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are exceptional…. As always, Willett’s style is one of grace and understatement….”

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.

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.