Tantara Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard Santa Maria Valley 2017

Tantara’s beautiful single-vineyard “Dierberg” chardonnay is still a bit under-the-radar considering they’ve been making great wines since 1997. Small lots, with a lot of the production earmarked directly for restaurants, make it scarce at retail. But not today! And not $50+ either!! 92 POINTS from Vinous and 50% OFF?!?! Yes! 

Thirteen miles from the Pacific Ocean in one of the coolest winegrowing spots in Santa Barbara County, Dierberg Vineyard lies in a mesa perched above the Santa Maria River, on the western edge of the Santa Maria Valley appellation. The chardonnay is planted on sandy loam soils, interspersed by ancient marine sediments, moderated daily by morning fog of the Pacific. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, chilled, and settled for 48 hours before being racked to neutral French oak for primary and secondary fermentation. The wine then ages for 18 months on the fine lees before bottling. We bought everything we could as this is the sort of California chardonnay you can never have too much of! 

Alluring and complex aroma of white sage, star jasmine, and orange blossom leads into notes of grilled white peach, lemon meringue, and flinty limestone. The full, vibrant palate on the mouth is harnessed by an enduring acidity loaded with Meyer lemon zest and cool saltwater taffy. At a total production of only 70 cases, this rare creature is worth pursuing! Did we mention 50% OFF? And 92 POINTS? Let’s go!