2012 LIOCO La Marisma Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

13.8% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.64, $45. Harvest Brix 23º. The vineyard is near the town of Aptos and is a south facing, hillside site 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Soils are sand and calcerous marine deposits with ideal drainage. Diurnal temperature fluctuation is 40+º.After intense hand sorting, the berries were broken before whole cluster pressed. Wild yeast fermentation in neutral oak, natural MLF, aged 10 months on lees in barrel and 5 months in tank. · Medium golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Really nice array of aromas including fresh banana, baked pear, exotic honey, and fermented melon. Some richness and slightly creamy, with flavors of lemon curd, baked pear, roasted nuts, burnt caramel, pastry cream and lees. This wine is very unique and presents some flavors that defy description. I like it for its uniqueness and composure. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2014

Winery: LIOCO Wine Company
From article: Recent Sips of Chardonnay