The Paring Chardonnay 2023

A vibrant and high-toned expression of Santa Barbara County, the 2023 The Paring Chardonnay is sourced from the cool-climate vineyards of the Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. This vintage presents an invigorating combination of ripe, silky fruit and a refreshing backbone of lively acidity. The nose offers an expressive bouquet of melon, stone fruits, and honeyed flower notes, accented by a hint of sweet spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and juicy, showcasing bright flavors of yellow apple and hard pineapple balanced by a distinct chalky minerality. Maturation occurs in a combination of one-third neutral French oak, one-third new French oak, and one-third stainless steel, with partial malolactic fermentation providing a supple, hard-to-resist style.

92 Points - James Suckling

Yellow apple, hard pineapple and crisp acidity provide an energetic and textural context for stone fruit and sumac. A kiss of sweet spice is threaded throughout, as is a filigree of minerality.