2022 Ojai Chardonnay 'Bien Nacido,' Santa Maria Valley

This 2022 Bien Nacido Chardonnay walks a tight rope between ripe exuberance and fresh focus. 2022 challenged us with September heat; we worried our Chardonnay might be on the blousy side. But no, we captured wonderfully expressive Chardonnay with the great balance that the Santa Maria Valley provides. It’s a testament to both Bien Nacido’s site strengths and the tenacious acidity of Clone 4 Chardonnay.

The aromatics are familiar for Bien Nacido: meyer lemon, bee pollen, and sea breeze all mingle with a super enticing florality, with scents of orchard blossoms and acacia flowers. The palate is voluminous and elegant; there’s a rich lemon curd flavor that almost reminds us of our old Solomon Hills Chardonnays. Notes of citrus, firm pineapple, and salinity keep the wine lively and refreshing. It’s the perfect foil for a proper roast chicken, or rich creamy seafood dishes.