93 Points - Wine & Spirits
2016 Migration Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard
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Highlighting lush, layered flavors, bright acidity and impeccably balanced French oak, Migration is dedicated to crafting wines from the finest cool-climate winegrowing regions. Established in 1973, Bien Nacido has earned a reputation as one of California’s premier vineyards. Our prized blocks include original 1973 plantings, as well as vines planted in 1991. Grown in soils with abundant limestone, these older vines produce a gorgeous Chardonnay with complex minerality, a lovely texture and multilayered citrus and orange blossom flavors.
Wine & Spirits
93
Wine Advocate
90
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Chardonnay; Cooperage: 100% French oak, 35% New Oak, and 65% Neutral
Winemaker Notes
Fragrant and inviting, this delicious cool-climate Chardonnay begins with bright aromas of lemon, apple and orange blossom. On the palate, it is vibrant and crisp, with pure fruit flavors underscored by refreshing acidity and a mouthwatering texture that glides to a long, focused finish.
Production
The California drought continued with winter temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees warmer than average, which resulted in rapid vine growth. Come spring, the temperature fell, and a coastal fog layer arrived like clockwork every morning, in the Santa Maria Valley. While a cool May produced a smaller fruit set than average, a mildly warm summer and slightly cool August allowed for ideal hangtime, yielding small and concentrated berries with delicious varietal character.
Other Notes
Released: March 2018
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley
Vineyard Designation
Bien Nacido Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 8, 2016
Sugar
24.8° Brix
Acid
0.64g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.27
Aging
10 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
75% Malolactic Fermentation
Alcohol %
14.10
Wine & Spirits
93
Wine Advocate
90
