The Santa Maria Valley, in Northern Santa Barbara County, is producing some of the greatest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on earth. Thanks to its unique microclimate, made possible by the cooling effects of the Transverse Ranges off the coast of the Pacific, this unique region of California delivers a Burgundian expression akin to the best of Oregon with a touch more texture and fruit. The appellation’s aptly situated vines and moderate temperatures result in the ideal combination of ripeness, tension, and aromatic complexity only found in top examples of Chardonnay. Presqu’ile estate has raised the bar for Central Coast Chardonnay. Insiders took note when the winery hired Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac to take the wines to a new level as consulting winemaker. 

Derived from unique clones rooted in sandy loam soil just sixteen miles from the Pacific, their Chardonnay is certified sustainable and is 100% hand-harvested. Taking the Burgundian approach, the winery employs natural techniques: native yeast fermentation, native malolactic conversion, and sur-lie aging to ensure there’s a perfect balance between richness and vivacity. Equal parts estate fruit and nearby Bien Nacido Estate, the wine illuminates a day bright golden hue with aromatics of citrus, butter cream, toast and crushed stones. Honeysuckle, yellow apples, tangerines, white peach, and almond come to the forefront on the palate entry. Creamy throughout marked by a pleasant tinge of Greek yogurt. The wine evokes a juicy freshness contrasted by a bone-dry mineral cut on the finish. This will out perform many single vineyard efforts from the area.