2019 Rusack Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Barbara County California USA

Winemaker Notes
The truly distinctive flavors from the cool Northern and Western extremes of Santa Barbara County come together in this bottle. Here, our love of blending has resulted in a marriage of exceptional fruit aromas with carefully balanced acidity, capturing the best qualities of the area. Honeydew melon, Asian pear, orange blossom, as well as citrus notes, are highlighted in this appealingly crisp white wine.

The grapes for our Santa Barbara County Chardonnay hail from a cool-climate vineyard within the County – Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. After being pressed and settled, the juice was barrel fermented in a mixture of new (33%) and older French oak barrels. The lees were stirred for four months, and the wine underwent a full malolactic fermentation. The Chardonnay aged 10 months in barrel before being released in Summer 2021.

Press
The 2019 Chardonnay comes all from the Bien Nacido Vineyard and was brought up in 30% new oak. It has classic honeyed apple, chalky mineral, charcoal, and marine nuances to go with a medium-bodied, racy, focused, vibrant style on the palate. It's certainly outstanding.
Rated 90 Points Jeb Dunnuck