Diatom Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2024

Based on 100% Chardonnay and aged six months in stainless steel vats, the 2024 Chardonnay has a medium to light gold hue and offers exotic citrus, minty herbs, and subtle tropical flower notes that all define this clean, crisp, remarkably pure Chardonnay. It puts on weight and richness with time in the glass and is a terrific mix of both richness and freshness. This is a no-brainer purchase for those who love Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, and I love its purity. Drink 2025-2030.

This whites sleek, mouthwatering and impressive mix of ripe pear, ginger and pomelo shows striking restraint, coiled as it is around a mouthwatering thread of acidity. Details of lime zest, white peppercorn and dried tarragon linger, along with a whiff of sea spray. Drink now. 20,000 cases made.

This has a succulent texture, remaining pure and long throughout. Salinity, minerals and springtime blossoms stay taut alongside lemons and crunchy orchard fruit with a lingering kick of tactile melon pith. Drink or hold.

The 2024 Chardonnay is, yet again, a gorgeous, singular wine with so much regional identity and soul, especially at its ridiculously low price point. There's fabulous weight and density here, eschewing varietal signature in favor of floral lift, creamy, oily yet weightless textures, and a long, salt-lick of a finish.

Oyster shell, honeydew rind, lime candy and grass aromas make for a complex, zesty nose on this bottling. The palate is zippy and grassy as well, almost like a Sauv Blanc, showing brisk lime zest flavors.