The 2023 Califa Chardonnay is a polished and expressive example of San Luis Obispo Coast winemaking at its finest. Lemon pie, citrus oil, and yellow apple lead with richness and charm, while chamomile tea and lemon zest bring brightness and lift. A kiss of toasted oak adds gentle warmth, balanced by the freshness of coastal acidity. Extended lees contact lends a supple mid-palate and textural depth, finishing clean, vibrant, and refined.
Pairs beautifully with butter poached lobster or roast chicken with a lemon herb pan sauce.
This Chardonnay comes from the ridge of loamy, calcareous gravel that runs along the northern edge of our vineyard. The vines in this area ripen a little earlier than the rest of the vineyard and display more intense flavor. We pair this with longer time in barrel and a slightly higher percentage of new oak to balance the power of the grapes. Califa is usually the showiest of our Chardonnays but still eminently ageable.
