Product Overview
The 2017 J. Wilkes Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay begins with complex aromatics of Granny Smith apple, wet chalk, toast, savory French oak aromas, and hints of browned butter, but the oak treatment is elegant enough to allow a lemon-blossom, floral character to emerge in the wine's nose. On the palate, savory oak meets green-apple Jolly Ranchers with persistent apple and tropical fruit through the finish. Wood and fruit are well integrated for such a young wine and offers a lot of subtle and delicious flavors early in its life. There's a lot to love here: bright and rich, savory and nervey, balanced and delicious. This wine is begging for some seafood poached in butter or presented with a Beurre Blanc sauce: sand dabs, sea bass, black cod. Hints of tropicality in the wine lend themselves to ideas of bacon-wrapped shrimp with mango salsa, or traditional matches like Brie or Tomme-style cheeses. Drink now, or hold until 2022.
Varietal Composition: 96% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Blanc
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley AVA
Aging: 8-10 months in French oak, 20% new
Winemaker: Wes Hagen
91 Points - Vinous
"The 2017 Chardonnay is another striking wine in this range. Lemon peel, tangerine, flowers and chamomile all grace this exquisite, creamy, vivid Chardonnay. Beautifully layered yet also light on its feet, the 2017 is a winner. This absolutely delicious Chardonnay is a remarkable value from J. Wilkes." -AG, Sep/2019
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Lime peel, green pear, lemongrass and wet river stone combine for an inviting and complex nose. There is strong chalky tension to the palate, where a flavor of Key lime pie is wrapped in bright acid." -MK, 3/1/19
90 Points, "Smart Buys" - Wine Spectator
"A spicy and fruity version, with a luscious mix of peach cobbler and apple pastry flavors that are supported by fresh acidity. The minerally finish lingers with savory hints. Drink now through 2023. 2,500 cases made." -KM, 6/30/19
