Not all California Chardonnay is driven by oak, butter, and tropical fruit flavors. There are others (such as Chateau Montelena and Hanzell) that produces wines that emulate the stunning white wines of Burgundy. We feel it's now time to add Tyler Winery to that list of strikingly beautiful, true Burgundian-styled white wines.
Winemaker Justin Willet feels that less is more. It is often stated that better grapes make better wines, and Justin feels that if he brings in high quality, healthy fruit that needs less "manipulation", then the heavy lifting is mostly done. So, Justin works with several notable vineyards throughout Santa Barbara Canyon, including La Rinconada, Bien Nacido, Sanford & Benedict, and Dierberg. These are some of the oldest vineyards in the county, and they produce grapes with some of the most complex flavors. Most wineries would be thrilled to work with just one of these vineyards, but this Chardonnay gets fruit from all 4 of them!
Justin Willett also utilizes native fermentations, very low sulfur use, no battonage, and only a small amount of new oak (about 15%). He wants the wine to be true to the region (terroir, if you will), and loves clean, bright, pure flavors that are unadulterated. The result is a fresh and bright style of Chardonnay carrying a citrus, mineral, and marine profile - very much "Santa Barbara".
Aromatically the wine has notes of flint, white chalk, with a combination of stone and citrus fruits and a hint of florality. On the palate, the wine is extremely mineral-driven with notes of white pepper and green apples. We feel this is a doppelgänger of a Chardonnay from Burgundy, and would be a perfect fit on the dinner table with some sea bass or roasted chicken and veggies!
Winemaker Justin Willet feels that less is more. It is often stated that better grapes make better wines, and Justin feels that if he brings in high quality, healthy fruit that needs less "manipulation", then the heavy lifting is mostly done. So, Justin works with several notable vineyards throughout Santa Barbara Canyon, including La Rinconada, Bien Nacido, Sanford & Benedict, and Dierberg. These are some of the oldest vineyards in the county, and they produce grapes with some of the most complex flavors. Most wineries would be thrilled to work with just one of these vineyards, but this Chardonnay gets fruit from all 4 of them!
Justin Willett also utilizes native fermentations, very low sulfur use, no battonage, and only a small amount of new oak (about 15%). He wants the wine to be true to the region (terroir, if you will), and loves clean, bright, pure flavors that are unadulterated. The result is a fresh and bright style of Chardonnay carrying a citrus, mineral, and marine profile - very much "Santa Barbara".
Aromatically the wine has notes of flint, white chalk, with a combination of stone and citrus fruits and a hint of florality. On the palate, the wine is extremely mineral-driven with notes of white pepper and green apples. We feel this is a doppelgänger of a Chardonnay from Burgundy, and would be a perfect fit on the dinner table with some sea bass or roasted chicken and veggies!
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