Las Nenas 2021 Chardonnay

Santa Barbara County, California  |  Santa Barbara Cuvée

The 2021 Co^lluvial™ “Las Nenas” Santa Barbara Cuvée bottling is a blend of chardonnay fruit from 2 AVA’s, Santa Maria Valley and Sta. Rita Hills. From the Santa Maria AVA the fruit is drawn from the Tinaquaic Vineyard which was planted in 1989 by the Foxen “Boys”, Billy Wathen and Dick Dore. Foxen’s Tinaquaic Vineyard, is the area’s only dry-farmed vineyard meaning, it receives absolutely no irrigation. From the Sta. Rita Hills AVA the fruit is drawn from the La Rinconada Vineyard which was planted in 1997. This site enjoys the maritime influences of the Pacific Ocean, in particular the fog and cooling winds provide the perfect conditions for a longer growing season. The lower portion of La Rinconada is a sandy loam, which transitions to more clay loam mixed with diatomaceous earth, alluvium soils and shale on the hills closer to Sanford & Benedict.

Tasting Notes

“Here the wood is slightly more prominent though I underscore that it remains reasonably discreet on the less exotic aromas of apple, lychee and dried apricot. I very much like the texture of the less generous and more precise middleweight flavors that offer good length if only moderate depth on the delicious and balanced finale.”  90 Pts/2026+Allen Meadow’s Burghound Issue #92

“Very lively passion-fruit nose. Then fully ripe fruit on the palate with the merest suggestion of spicy oak and an attractively crisp finish. Good mixture of well integrated fruit and acidity. Ready to please …. 16 Pts JancisRobinson.com

“The 2021 Chardonnay Las Nenas Santa Barbara Cuvée is another well-made Chardonnay from this estate. Ripe orchard fruits, toasted spice, brioche, and some dried herb notes all show in the bouquet, and it’s medium-bodied, with a layered, rounded mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and a good finish.” 89 Pts Jeb Dunnuck

Food Pairings

Mahi Mahi & Flounder Tacos,  and Grilled Lobster will create perfect seafood matches to this bottling. In the hearty complex Co^lluvial Santa Barbara Cuvée Chardonnay will stand up perfectly to Crawfish Gumbo.