When you’re looking for a California Chardonnay, you may seek out one from Russian River Valley, Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley. But there’s another region you should consider, Santa Barbara County. This region is far south of the Sonoma/Napa wine country. In fact, the southernmost part of the county is just over 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Instinctively you may think it would be warmer this far south and not as good for vineyards, but influence of the Pacific ocean make outstanding conditions for growing wine grapes. The area gets very little rainfall and a persistent fog from the coast creates cool, cloudy conditions which grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir just love.
The majority of the grapes in the Main Street Winery Chardonnay come from Santa Barbara County, 82% to be exact. The other 18% of the grapes come from Monterey County, north of Santa Barbara County and just south of San Francisco.
This wine is a beautiful golden color. The aromas are somewhat restrained but include lemon, toasted oak, apple and hay. The flavors start with a yellow delicious apple characteristic and evolve into peach and citrus. A bit of oak flavor comes in on the finish, but it’s not too strong. The mouth feel is rich and very creamy. I like it. It’s a great deal and a great introduction to Santa Barbara County Chardonnay at just $10.
Wine: Main Street Winery Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 86
Price: $9.99
Find Main Street Winery Chardonnay with Snooth
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.