2023 Cambria - Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Katherine's (750ml)

Cambria Estate Winery farms its own vineyards in the heart of Santa Maria Valley, one of California's most reliably cool growing regions. Katherine's Vineyard takes its name from proprietor Katie Jackson, honored when the site was planted in 1986. Winemaker Jill Russell now oversees the fruit from these fog-cooled vines, aiming for Chardonnay that balances richness with the natural acidity the valley is known for.

Katherine's Vineyard sits at the western edge of Santa Maria Valley, where persistent Pacific breezes slow ripening, and the vines grow in ancient soils layered with fossilized seashells, shale, and limestone. The 2023 vintage was fermented roughly seventy percent in barrel and thirty percent in stainless steel, then aged seven months in French oak, a fifth of it new, a method meant to add texture without masking the fruit.

This Chardonnay opens with lemon balm, baked apricot, and macadamia nut, layered with honeysuckle and a touch of toasty spice. The palate is generous yet balanced, with ripe pear and pineapple carried by taut minerality and lively acidity. It pairs beautifully with lobster, herb-roasted pork tenderloin, or a creamy corn chowder.