California chardonnay has gotten a bad rap in recent years. I, too, used to shy away, always preferring to taste the wine over the wood. However, a different chardonnay has begun to poke her head out from the cellars of California. These textured, flamboyant and racey wines have quickly become some of my favorites. They don’t try to follow in the footsteps of their famed sisters in Burgundy, these wines are inherently Californian with their lush tropical notes.

When Castoro cellars began converting all their vineyards in Paso Robles to organic and biodynamic; we took note. These grapes were picked early to preserve acidity and partially aged in neutral oak to give a touch of opulence and texture. All combined, this wine gives us that same comfort brought on by late afternoon sun in the yard; as the bees lazily dot the lemon blossoms and the slightest of breezes rolls through the leaves.

VINIFICATION

Grapes are 100% certified organic. Blend of 3 Vineyards; Hog Heaven, Double Black and Whale Rock. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral oak; partial malolactic.

GOES WELL WITH

Ceviche, fish tacos, burgers, fried chicken, raw salads

Between Two Points
by Bruno Baraldi
@takissbranding