2016 Bien Nacido Chardonnay - Ann Albert Wines

Meyer lemon, spring lavender, ripe nectarine. Gala apple, crushed pine needle, petite tangerine. Honeysuckle and citrus blossom, delicate cinnamon and mild clove. Gorgeously pure fruit immediately commands attention with bursts of white peach, Asian pear, and pineapple essence - just barely ripe without a trace of sweetness. A beautifully deep dancing floral note soon follows before revealing white sage and ever-so-gentle oak spice. Cheese rind and leesy tones add breadth and complexity complemented by subtle salinity and sand. Expansive - ethereal even - showcasing amazing poise, depth, and focus. Medium bodied with medium plus acidity and tremendous balance. This 2016 Bien Nacido Chardonnay by Ann Albert Wines is an elegant and expressive white from one of Santa Barbara's greatest vineyards.

Bien Nacido is a vineyard that needs little introduction. Its prime location at the edge of the Santa Maria Bench combined with a wealth of old vine source material has proven to consistently produce some of the most balanced and complex wines around. This bottling, crafted by Ann Albert Wines using Chardonnay sourced from Bien Nacido, provides a wonderful glimpse into the magic of this famous site. In a perfect marriage of classic and modern styles this wine is tremendously pure and flavorful while remaining energetic and lean. It is terrifically nuanced and flawlessly balanced while showcasing world famous Santa Maria Valley terroir. An extremely impressive bottle of California Chardonnay through and through.