2023 The Paring - Chardonnay Santa Barbara County (750ml)

The Paring is the third label from the team behind Jonata and The Hilt in Santa Barbara County, with Matt Dees making the wines at all three. The name nods to the precision of a paring knife. It is built from vineyard blocks that are too young or do not fit the style of a given vintage for its sister estates, offering the same pedigree in a more relaxed, value-minded style.

For this 2023 Chardonnay, low yields and cool days produced fruit that is both rich and chiseled. Fruit comes from Santa Barbara County, including Sta. Rita Hills sites shared with The Hilt, and fermentations are native. Elevage is split evenly between neutral French oak, new French oak, and stainless steel tanks, with one third of the wine going through malolactic fermentation. This shorter aging keeps the fruit lively and the finish steely.

Citrus, green melon, and baking spice open the aromas, followed by stone fruit, brioche, and honeyed flowers. The medium-bodied palate pairs ripe, silky fruit with vibrant acidity, and a chalky mineral thread keeps the finish bright and focused.