Diatom Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2023 (75cl, 14.5%)

A white wine from Santa Barbara County, California, created by winemaker Greg Brewer and dedicated exclusively to Chardonnay. The project takes its name from diatomaceous earth, the fossilised plankton subsoil characteristic of the region's ancient oceanic landscape, and follows a minimalist philosophy avoiding oak contact and malolactic fermentation. The 2023 vintage shows a vivid medium gold colour, with lemon curd, citrus blossom, jasmine, white peach, wet sand and subtle sea salt spice on the nose. The palate balances fruit concentration with electric tension, offering tangerine, green apple, quince and poached pear with crunchy saline minerality, medium to full body, rounded texture and mouthwatering acidity. It finishes clean, precise and persistent with lemon verbena and ocean air freshness. The fruit is sourced primarily from Mission Hills Vineyard in Los Alamos and fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures.