2008 Chardonnay - Santa Barbara County

With French Chablis as its role model, our 2008 Chardonnay continues in our traditional style of crisp clean fresh flavors true to the grape variety. Just a hint of malolactic and just a hint of oak add additional layers and depth. Pineapple and citrus peel are right there in the wine’s aromatics, with lemony pear fruit on the palate, and a brisk cleansing minerality on the finish.

Crustaceans and shellfish would complement this wine. Also try with pan-seared fish filets in butter sauce; grilled or roasted fish with fruit salsas; spicy chicken curry. Our featured recipe is Moroccan-Spiced Shrimp Sauté and Couscous with Caramelized Onion, Raisins & Mint.

Case production: 11,945 cases
Price: $19 per bottle, $205.20 per case. Wine Club Price: $15.20 per bottle, $182.40 per case.
½ bottle (375ml) $12 per bottle, $129.60 per case. Wine Club Price $9.60 per bottle, $115.20 per case.

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2006 Chardonnay - El Jabalí Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

Luminous and lively, here’s a barely-oaked Chardonnay from 25-year-old vines farmed organically in the “front yard” of our ranch at El Jabalí. Cold fermented in steel tanks without malolactic fermentation, this wine shows some of the citrus purity of the fruit, with ripe pear meets apricot flavor/aromas, and a pleasing crisp toastiness shot through by a sleek streak of vanilla.

Pairs with stir-fry; roasted fish with fruit salsa; herbed grilled chicken; crispy fried trout; classic Southern fried chicken with mashed potatoes. Our featured recipe is Seared Scallops with Corn Maque-Choux.

Case production: 861
Price: $28 per bottle $302.40 per case. Wine Club Price: $22.40 per bottle, $268.80 per case.

San Francisco Chronicle Top 100 Wines 2008

Please click here for printable winemaking and tasting notes.