Fuji apple, peach blossom, candied lemon. Ripe nectarine, half-dried hay, Bartlett pear. Butternut squash and fresh basil, dry rock and rich earth. Apricot and orange peel lead a fruit-forward yet savory attack aided by a touch of clove, parsley, and garden herbs. Medium plus in both body & acidity with a serious and slightly masculine edge. Chock-full of personality and grip, this 2015 Mendocino Chardonnay by Mia Bea Wines is a tremendous single-vineyard value.

Barra Family Vineyards has been growing wine grapes in Mendocino for years. While they primarily sell their fruit to other larger labels they relatively recently decided to start bottling some of it on their own under Mia Bea Wines. This wine, comprised of 100% Chardonnay from their estate vineyard, is a fantastic accomplishment for this small family run operation. It possesses wonderful energy and structure showing distinct California fruit above lightly savory herbs. Mild oak tones add cohesion without any inkling towards butter or flab. This stuff is delicious hand crafted single vineyard California Chardonnay with a selling price placing it no higher than the middle-shelf in a grocery store. If you're looking for value in Cali Chard then you definitely need to check this stuff out.