Tantara Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley 2017

Thirteen miles from the Pacific Ocean in one of the coolest winegrowing spots in Santa Barbara County, Dierberg Vineyard lies in a mesa perched above the Santa Maria River, on the western edge of the Santa Maria Valley appellation. The chardonnay is planted on sandy loam soils, interspersed by ancient marine sediments, moderated daily by morning fog off the Pacific. The clonal selections are comprised of Dijon clone 76, Hudson (an Old Wente derivative), and clone 15 (Prosser clone from Washington state). The Dijon clone provides freshness and tension, while California and Washington clones help make this a full-bodied, intensely flavored, and low-yielding crop.

The wine offers a complex aroma of white sage, star jasmine, and orange blossom leading into notes of grilled white peach, lemon meringue, and flinty limestone. The full, vibrant palate on the mouth is harnessed by an enduring acidity loaded with Meyer lemon zest and cool saltwater taffy. The grapes are whole cluster pressed, chilled, and settled for 48 hours, before being racked to neutral French oak for primary and secondary fermentation. The wine then ages for 18 months on the fine lees before bottling. At a total production of only 70 cases, this rare creature is worth pursuing!

PAIRING IDEAS: Delicately toe-ing the line of unctuousness and liveliness, this chardonnay desires something equally deft and agile. Chef Sean Brock’s classic Shrimp and Grits pair so well with this, you’ll slap yo’ momma!

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: From a contender for the greatest album title of all time, "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness", The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” will get you in the perfect rhythm and melody for this wine.