91 Points
2017 Migration Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard
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Migration is dedicated to crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the finest cool-climate winegrowing regions to create wines that highlight lush fruit, bright acidity and impeccably balanced oak. Located atop a mesa overlooking the Santa Maria River, Dierberg Vineyard has emerged as one of Santa Maria Valley’s great Chardonnay sites. Grown in sandy soils, Dierberg’s meticulously farmed vines face the full force of the winds that sweep off the Pacific, producing low yields of concentrated Chardonnay. The result is a wine with length and force that is highlighted by bright acidity and beautiful peach, nectarine and white flower aromatics.
Wine Advocate
91
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Chardonnay; Cooperage: 100% French oak - 35% new oak, 65% neutral; 75% malolactic fermentation
Winemaker Notes
This beautiful expression of cool-climate Chardonnay offers enticing aromas of citrus, orange zest and white flowers. On the palate, luxurious flavors of pear and orange are framed by refreshing acidity that draws the wine to a bright, lingering finish.
Production
2017 offered idyllic growing conditions with plentiful winter and spring rains, which led to an excellent fruit set. While the summer was warm, with occasional heat spikes, healthy canopies and thoughtful pruning provided ideal dappled sunlight on the vines. Just as our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were achieving ideal ripeness, a major heat event hit the valley. The result was an extremely brisk harvest with long nights of hand-picking and days full of sorting, destemming and pressing. While the pace of harvest was challenging, the fruit came in beautifully, fermented flawlessly and yielded wines with vibrant fruit and lovely acidity.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley
Vineyard Designation
Dierberg Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 13, 2017
Sugar
22.6° Brix at harvest
Acid
0.55 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.47
Aging
10 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
16-24 days fermentation at 55-60°F
Alcohol %
14.10
Wine Advocate
91
