Diatom Santa Barbara County 2021 Chardonnay

Wine Greg Brewer is one of California's most respected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers (he was Wine Enthusiast's Winemaker of the year for 2020). His Brewer-Clifton label has been a darling of critics and wine lovers everywhere since it was first released in 1996. In 2005 he created Diatom where he seeks to capture and express the beauty of Chardonnay in its most pure and unadulterated state. Diatom is named for diatomaceous earth, which is a plankton fossil found in the oceanic landscape of Santa Barbara County. The wines are made without any malolactic fermentation or oak barrel influences and made in the classic style of early Napa Valley style of the 1970's and 1980's of wineries like Cakebread, Chateau Montelena, Stony Hill, Shafer, Far Niente, Stag’s Leap... the wines won the 1976 Judgment of Paris Tasting and that helped make Napa famous around the world.

"Another home run from Greg Brewer. Stunning in its depth and overall intensity, the 2021 is bright and mineral, with plenty of citrus and floral character, but also a good amount of textural depth to keep things in balance. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s layers and overall pedigree. As always, the style here favors cold fermentation, no malolactic fermentation and very short aging in steel prior to bottling.”

"The Diatom 2021 Chardonnay has inviting poached pears, quince and lemongrass aromas with touches of baker's yeast, honeycomb and acacia. The medium-bodied palate balances generous, exotic fruits and a touch of textural grip with bright waves of acidity, finishing long and flavorful. This Chardonnay is dynamic and so delicious! ”