Chardonnay Santa Barbara County (2023)

About this wine

The 2023 Diatom Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County opens with fresh aromas of lemon, citrus blossom, and wet sand. On the palate, it delivers concentrated flavors of white peach, quince, and pineapple, complemented by floral hints of orange blossoms and lemon curd. The wine finishes with mouthwatering acidity, a note of crunchy sea salt minerality, and a touch of lemon verbena. Notably, this Chardonnay is unoaked, fermented in stainless steel tanks, and does not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its crisp and vibrant character. Winemaker Greg Brewer's minimalist approach allows the purity of the Chardonnay grape to shine through, resulting in a precise and balanced wine.

About the grape

Chardonnay, originally from France's Burgundy region, has become a key grape in Santa Barbara County, California, where the cool climate and diverse soils are ideal for its cultivation. In the 2023 Diatom Chardonnay, winemaker Greg Brewer focuses on expressing the grape's pure character by fermenting it in stainless steel tanks and avoiding malolactic fermentation, which preserves its natural acidity and freshness. This approach highlights the unique qualities of the Chardonnay grape as influenced by the region's terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍷 Diatom Chardonnay is crafted by Greg Brewer, a renowned winemaker dedicated to producing wines that transparently reflect their origin.
• 🌊 The name 'Diatom' is inspired by diatomaceous earth, a type of plankton fossil found in Santa Barbara County's oceanic landscape.
• 🍇 This Chardonnay is unoaked, allowing the pure expression of the grape and terroir to shine through without the influence of oak aging.
• 🌼 The 2023 vintage offers aromas of jasmine, tangerine sorbet, mint, and green apple, with flavors of honeysuckle, poached pear, and green peppercorn.
• 🌞 Santa Barbara County's cool climate and long growing season contribute to the wine's vibrant acidity and complex flavor profile.

Palate profile

Producer

Diatom, founded by winemaker Greg Brewer in 2005, is dedicated exclusively to producing Chardonnay that captures the grape's purest expression. The winery's name is inspired by diatomaceous earth, a fossilized plankton prevalent in Santa Barbara County's marine-influenced soils, reflecting the region's unique terroir. Brewer's minimalist approach emphasizes subtraction and refinement, aiming to convey the essence of the vineyards with clarity and honesty. In 2017, Diatom became part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio, allowing Brewer to expand his creative endeavors while maintaining the brand's distinctive focus.