Tyler Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2021

Santa Barbara County, California

Wine Advocate 95 points!

Tyler Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County is a superb Chardonnay from this appellation. Owner and Winemaker Justin Willett was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, and graduated with a BA in History of Art and Architecture from the University of California-Santa Barbara. In 2005, while working as the Assistant Winemaker at Arcadian Winery, he started Tyler Winery with a focus exclusively on exceptional vineyard sites throughout the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley within Santa Barbara County. Over time, he has developed relationships with specific growers, who have seen how he works, enjoyed the wines he produces as well as respect his viticultural knowledge of the area and his input on its terroir.

The Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is composed of grapes from the Bien Nacido, Dierberg, La Rinconada, and Sanford & Benedict vineyards. Aromatically the wine has notes of flint, white chalk, with a combination of stone and citrus fruits and a hint of florality. On the palate, the wine is extremely mineral-driven with notes of white pepper and green apples.

“The 2021 Chardonnay overdelivers for its appellation-wide status. It has pretty scents of quince, poached pear, spring honey, chalk and roasted almonds. The medium-bodied palate is satiny, savory and expansive with dynamic flavor layers and a very long finish. Drink 2022-2030.”—Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate, 95 points!

Enjoy Tyler Chardonnay with lobster, roast chicken, grilled salmon, and aged cheeses.