2020 MarBeso Chardonnay Chapel Hill Sta. Rita Hills

2020 MarBeso Chardonnay Chapel Hill (Sta. Rita Hills) is a single-vineyard Chardonnay produced by MarBeso Wines under winemaker Colin McNany. The grapes come from the coastal-influenced Chapel Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, grown with a focus on clean, minimal-intervention farming, often with organically farmed fruit. The wine is 100% Chardonnay, fermented and aged in neutral (or very lightly used) French oak, with lees contact to build texture while keeping the profile fresh and transparent.

On the nose it shows bright citrus and stone-fruit – think lemon meringue, tangerine, perhaps white flowers and a stony minerality.

The palate is vibrant yet elegant: crisp acidity supports flavors of white peach, pineapple and subtle creamy notes, with a clean, mineral-tinged finish, avoiding heavy oak or overt butteriness.

 This Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with light seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, soft cheeses or simply as a refreshing aperitif.