Chamisal “Califa” Chardonnay
Chamisal Vineyards “Califa” Chardonnay 2009: Hailing from the first vineyard ever planted in San Luis Obispo County’s coastally cooled Edna Valley, this intriguingly pleasing chard plays with oak influence but doesn’t give in, allowing a tension between the ripe fruit, warm vanilla, and almost bitter spices to keep you satisfied.
Originally planted in 1973 by the Goss family, resurrected from dormancy as Domaine Alfred in the 1990s, and taken over in 2008 by the boutique-minded Crimson Wine Group, which returned the property to its original name in honor of the native chamise shrub, Chamisal is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2013, and its Califa series, which also includes a pinot noir and syrah, represent the best of the bunch.
