Greg Norman Estates Chardonnay Santa Barbara 2015

Bright aromas of pineapple and lemon zest with fruit flavors, notes of vanilla and spice for a refreshing finish.

VINTAGE & VITICULTURE Known for its extended growing season and unique east-west valleys, Santa Barbara County ofers grapes every opportunity to ripen to their fullest, thus delivering concentrated favors and structure to thefinished wines. Cool breezes from the nearby Pacfic Ocean keep the temperatures mild and even most of the year, further enhancing fruit quality. Sandstone and limestone soils ofer little in the way of nutrients, forcing the vines to struggle for growth, thereby producing berries packed with favor intensity. A majority of the fruit for this wine came from Cat Canyon, which through its higher elevation and thus larger diurnal shifts in temperature, the grapes produce lovely acidity and intense tropical fruit favors.

VINIFICATION Each lot, from several vineyard blocks, was kept separate during fermentation. The whole clusters were sent directly to press in order to extract the juice as soon as possible and avoid any bitterness pickup from the skins. A cool ferment was employed to retain freshness and minimal oak (predominately French) was used in the aging process. This produced a well balanced wine where the Chardonnay fruit shines.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES The 2015 Greg Norman Estates Santa Barbara Chardonnay opens with bright aromas of pineapple, ripe nectarine and fresh lemon zest. The  inviting nose leads a soft, lush palate where juicy lemon lime citrus notes and favors of fresh pineapple, peach and subtle spice notes come to life. The favors are highlighted by a sweet vanillin favored texture that is long lasting on the palate. This Chardonnay is very food friendly or easy to sip by itself