2017 Liquid Farm Bien Bien Chardonnay

Liquid Farm, the name, sums up the guiding philosophy of its founders, Jeff Nelson and Nikki Pallesen. When they started their Santa Ynez winery in 2009 their goal was “to create awareness about what happens above the ground and below the ground, and tell the story of how both are inextricably linked to wine. Wine…..is Liquid from Farming.” Nelson was a wine industry veteran having worked for Champagne and Burgundy houses, and Pallesen had worked for California wine distributor and as a wine retailer. As wine lovers who preferred lower alcohol, terroir-driven wines, they gravitated toward European wines. The pair also shared a passion for Chardonnay. So in 2009 they sourced Chardonnay grapes from Santa Rita Hills vineyards and made their first barrels. The Santa Rita Hills appellations is one of California’s coolest, which appealed to Nelson and Pallesen. With winemaker James Sparks they have concentrated on Chardonnay as well as rosé. Reviewers have rated the wines in the low to mid-90s.

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.