A fresh, easygoing Chardonnay from JUSTIN, the Paso Robles winery Justin and Deborah Baldwin founded in 1981. It is fermented partly in steel and partly in oak, so it stays bright rather than buttery. Think lemon curd, pineapple and pear with a crisp green apple finish.
At a Glance
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Vintage: 2023
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Appellation: Central Coast, California
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Grape: Chardonnay
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Alcohol: 13.5%
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Style: Dry, medium bodied
Winemaking
Fermented in a mix of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, with only partial malolactic fermentation. That keeps the acidity lively and the oak in the background.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Straw colored with gold highlights.
Nose: Lemon rind, tart citrus and jasmine, with bitter almond and wet stone.
Palate: Ripe pineapple, Bartlett pear and lemon curd, then honeydew melon with a touch of tarragon and fennel. The finish is fresh and elegant, with Granny Smith apple and bright acidity.
Pairing
The winery suggests lemon chicken in a classic beurre blanc, or a simple Caesar salad topped with shrimp.
Serving
Serve chilled, but not ice cold, so the fruit and texture come through.