2023 Vignerons Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay from the North Canyon Vineyard, which is directly adjacent to the famous Bien Nacido vineyard in Santa Maria. Hand picked, barrel fermented with native yeasts, given full ML, and aged for 18 months in 25% new French oak. 13.1% alcohol.  700 cases made. This is excellent Santa Barbara Chard, managing to toe the line well between lush, creamy richness and taut, brisk acidity. 

The winemaker here is Michael Brughelli, who previously made wine for Ken Volk and founded Scar of the Sea. He’s known for his eponymous label, which gets massive reviews and huge (over $200!) price tags. 

91 points, Wine Enthusiast. "Tightly woven aromas of grapefruit peel and wet stone show on the nose of this bottling. That tightness carries into the crisp sip, where lime peel and flesh flavors are brisk and energetic."