Beverage of the Week (B.O.W)

Regular BevX readers are well aware of our unabashed affection for Pietra Santa Winery in California's Cienega Valley. This winery has all of the bases covered. It's a strikingly beautiful property that grows fruit with incredible balance and character. The winery's owners are authentic and passionate people while their winemaker, Alessio Carli, is undeniably charismatic and uniquely talented.

BevX readers are accustomed to us heaping praise on the great red wines from Pietra Santa, more exactly the Italian varietal reds that continue to shine vintage after vintage. Now we shift our accolades to their latest release of the “Signature” (their Reserve tier) Chardonnay.

Chardonnay is undeniably the most popular white varietal sold in the USA. We see more than our share of Chardonnays. Since BevX was founded we have awarded just three Chardonnays with our highest Five-Star award. Needless to say, we were impressed with this “Signature Collection” 2008 Chardonnay.

The Pietra Santa Chardonnays from vintages past have always been enjoyable wines but this year’s Signature Chardonnay has reached the rarefied air of flirting with perfection. It is made from specially selected blocks from their estate vineyards in the Cienega Valley. It is aged in French oak barrels to that add complexity and panache without going overboard as do so many California reserve-tier Chardonnays.

It is perfectly balanced with rich, contemplative flavors and aromas. It is absolutely beautiful now but this Chardonnay will develop in the cellar nicely for at least another five years. While it is not sold at a bargain price, its $35 price tag is at the low to mid-range for California Chardonnays. Considering the quality and the scarcity, just 350 cases made we think it’s a steal.