2011 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County

Beautiful all around, the 2011 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County possesses a light gold/green tinged color and offers up brilliant verve and energy on both the nose and palate. A medium to light-bodied wine that’s fresh and elegant, it has classic Chardonnay typicity as well as building richness and depth that comes through with more time in the glass. Certainly not a powerhouse, it excels on its detail and purity and is a fantastic value. Drink now-2016. These racy, energetic efforts are made by Sashi Moorman from their home base in Lompoc. Taking lightness to the extreme in some cases, these are nevertheless riveting wines. Tel. (805) 686-3086; www.sandhiwines.com

The 2011 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) is beautifully bright and focused from start to finish. Beams of underlying acidity lend vibrancy to the precise white flower, lemon and crushed rock flavors. The wine fleshes out nicely with time in the glass, but the style remains very much built on energy and tension.

Average vine age 30 years. 17 different vineyards fermented in oak separately. A very cool and foggy vintage. 2,000 cases made – the other labels are only 100-200 cases. 5% new oak. Diatomaceous, clay and limestone soils. East and north-facing slopes. All François Frères, 600 litre. They bought some old barrels to start (eg from Jim Clendenen). Bottled after 11 months in oak. Very pale. Fragrant, delicate, hint of spice. Touch of melon and citrus. Naturally high acid. Pure and fresh and delicate. Creamy and intensely fresh on the palate. 'Happy wine'. Very aromatic for Chardonnay. So supple. (JH)