Alta Maria Chardonnay

Alta Maria is the brainchild of viticulturist and winemaker James Ontiveros and Paul Wilkins, friends first, and now collaborators. Half the fruit for their small-production Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (820 cases) goes through malolatic fermentation, giving this wine a custardy, rich California Chard mid palate while still providing plenty of food-friendly acidity. Green apple, melon, Ojai Pixie and hay aromas give way to a palate with anise, lavender, cinnamon and butterscotch flavors to balance the plush fruit. Delicious.