2021 La Pelle Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block I Santa Maria Valley 750 ml

The 2019 La Pelle Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block I is a truly special bottling from one of the most precious parcels of Chardonnay vines in the Golden State: Block I of Santa Maria Valley’s storied Bien Nacido Vineyard. It’s the kind of wine we open when we’re craving a California Chardonnay of Bugundian minerality and liveliness, and endless character. 

Maayan’s wine dazzles from the beginning, and gets better with every single sip. Offering beguiling aromas of  green apple skins, candied lemon peel, toasted pecans, cardamom, and clotted cream. The palate is broad yet fresh, with flavors of Bosc pear, orange zest, limestone, jasmine and sea salt. The modest alcohol level just underscores Bien Nacido's brisk climate, and the wine's Burgundian influence—not to mention elegance.

Bien Nacido is one of the most famous vineyards in the New World. Located in the Santa Maria Valley on California’s Central Coast, it’s been named one of the “Top 25 Vineyards in the World” by Wine & Spirits, one of the “Top Five California Vineyards” by the Wall Street Journal, and one of “California’s Grand Cru Chardonnay Vineyards” by Wine Enthusiast.

Block I is a completely unique portion of this sacred vineyard, encompassing less than 2% of its Chardonnay. The parcel was planted back in 1973, which means that its vines are nearing a half-century in age. Because they grow in pest-resistant sandy soils, these old vines have never had to be grafted onto American rootstock, and they are now producing tiny quantities of Chardonnay berries that absolutely brim with flavor and character.  In 100-point winemaker Maayan Koschitzky’s hands, the fruit from these vines is rendered into something otherworldly.