Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay 2014

“Now one of the hottest wineries in California.” – Antonio Galloni

When a wine critic that commands the respect Antonio Galloni does, says something like this, wine lovers need to sit up and take note. For over four decades the Miller family have sold their Bien Nacido grapes to the great and good of Californian wine; think Au Bon Climat, Qupé and Ojai to name just a few. In 2010 they started making their own wine to huge critical acclaim. The wines are crafted by Trey Fletcher, who is the protégé of Ted Lemon at Sonoma’s world-renowned Littorai Wines. According to Wine Enthusiast, he is “creating texturally tantalizing wines that are exciting to sip now but built to last for years in the cellar.” The pedigree of these wines is undeniable, the quality is irreproachable, but unfortunately, that brings with it extreme scarcity.

Only 280 cases were made of Bien Nacido Vineyard’s golden handcrafted Chardonnay, which displays zesty lemon meringue pie, lemon blossom, chamomile, toasted skin-on almonds, freshly cut apples, tropical pineapple, fresh cream and a finish of tart, refreshing grapefruit. Don’t miss out and serve it alongside roast chicken, baked goats’ cheese with pineapple salsa, buttered lemon sole or truffle oil-topped risotto.