2020 Stars & Dust, Chardonnay Old Vines, Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido Vineyard (RT94) A bit smaller in production than the Hilltop Vineyard bottling with just 80 cases made harvest from 48-year-old vines. From their website “100% handpicked vineyard designate old vine Chardonnay, picked in the middle of the night, aged 10 months in 25% new Damy French oak with the remainder in neutral barrel”. This attention to detail shows as it reveals a paler hue than the Hilltop bottling, the Bien Nacido is a bit more shy and less expressive initially, but with time in the glass reveals a more focused, higher toned aromatic profile showing notes of green honey dew, Asian pear, citrus blossom, and a touch of crème brulee which lead to a stylish, refined, and weightless mouth feel. An overall gorgeous textural presentation with succulent fruit, fresh zesty acidity, and a super clean finish. This is a really wonderful expression of Chardonnay from the legendary Bien Nacido vineyard. Drink now-2032+
