Winery:  "To create our smooth Chardonnay, we selected our very best grapes from premier vineyards in Santa Barbara County.  The resulting wine is balanced and beautiful, with tempting aromas of ripe pear and tropical fruit flavors with just a hint of toasted almonds.  The 2007 Chardonnay underwent partial malolactic fermentation, allowing the wine to retain crisp varietal characteristics of citrus and apple while imparting a smooth texture to the finished wine. The varietal was aged sur lie increasing the wines rich, creamy mouthfeel. The majority of the wine was then introduced to French oak, which contributed caramel notes while the balance was aged in stainless steel, allowing the bright varietal characteristics to fully develop."

Wired For Wine:  Featured in the movie Sideways, Santa Barbara County in the southern part of the state is famous for ripe, yet elegant, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and accordingly are typically priced among the highest in the state.   This Santa Barbara Chardonnay, however,  is a terrific buy.  It's a great wine to stock up on for all occasions big and small.  This rich, creamy Trinchero is great at multitasking.  It is a wonderful aperitif by itself, it plays very nicely with chicken, and is right at home with most anything that swims or hails from the sea.  Butter and cream sauces will really show this Chardonnay for the gem it is.  We love to start with a sinfully delicious avocado and lump crabmeat dip served with crunchy pita chips.  If you're ready to start cooking, though, we suggest crisp oysters with a roast shallot aioli.  Mm-MM.  If you're in the mood for pasta, show off the caramel notes in this Trinchero with a dish of lobster ravioli with caramelized carrot cream sauce with peas.  You'll be glad you did.  If pasta isn't on the menu, sautee some chicken breasts and dress them with a buttery lemon chive sauce.  Or, how about pan-seared scallops with a balsamic reduction and a potato gratin on the side?  As the meal is winding down, pay your final homage to this beautifully balanced Chardonnay with a last glass or two as you dive into a sumptuous lemon pudding with a couple of almond tuiles on the side.  Cheers!

Size:  750 ml
Varietal:  100% Chardonnay
Alcohol:  13.5%
Ageing:  6 months French oak
Region:  Santa Barbara County, California