2016 “Opening Act” Chardonnay - Timbre Winery

Intense Meyer lemon, sea spray, yellow nectarine. Poached green apple, bright jasmine, mango flesh. Electric citrus, fresh pineapple, and Bartlett pear ring out with incredible precision and cut, independently pure and riveting yet carried by a brilliant streak of crystalline salinity. Spring honeysuckle, citrus blossom, and white lilies soon emerge spilling surprisingly lifted florals while notes of straw bale and sandy soil bring the scene back down to earth. A hint of cheese rind and greek yogurt combine with whiff of brioche and clove to expose numerous layers of secondary complexity that integrate seamlessly with the poised and persistent attack. Tight, tart, and medium bodied with elevated acidity and impeccable balance. Classic yet expressive; sexy yet modestly dressed. This 2016 "Opening Act" Chardonnay by Timbre Winery is a beautifully pristine and exceptionally well executed white from Santa Barbara's Santa Maria Valley.

Although for years the quintessential Californian Chardonnay was broad, unctuous, and buttery, stylistic decisions by producers all across the Golden State have pivoted once again towards an outcome of freshness, purity, and precision. This bottling, crafted by Timbre Winery using Chardonnay sourced from the Bien Nacido and Sierra Madre Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley, beautifully exemplifies the merits of a more Burgundian approach to the world's most popular white wine. While amply endowed with pronounced citrus accompanied by perfectly ripe stone, orchard, and tropical fruits it is crisp salty minerality that wholly sets the tone here. Palpable energy and well defined crunch are immediately apparent from the very first sip yet never even approach the line of coming across as overly angular or sharp on the palate. Despite being a self proclaimed "Opening Act" in Timbre's lineup this is a meticulously crafted and extremely impressive offering.