2006 CHARDONNAY BIEN
NACIDO
Santa Maria Valley
I would say this is a
traditional California chardonnay, but everyone who tasted it
on my recent trip to Portland and Seattle thought it was emphatically
unlike any California chardonnay they had ever tasted. It was
well received, because it seems people are tired of the flat,
over-oaked examples they often taste.
I think the fruity aroma
from Bien Nacido is not atypical for California chardonnay, but
beyond that aspect I will admit it is quite different. Since 2000
we haven't used new oak barrels, but have preferred older, more
neutral ones that showcase the vineyards distinctiveness, and
every year we restrict the crop which helps emphasize its refreshing
texture. We also pick the fruit much earlier than most winemakers
do these days, because we like the herb tinged aromas and zippy
acidity that are lost when grapes are harvested too ripe.
I know I often say this,
but this 2006 Bien Nacido Chardonnay ranks as my favorite since
we started making them in 1990.