Jim and Mary Dierberg owned the Hermannhof Vineyards and Winery in Missouri since 1974. After traveling through Bordeaux and Napa, they chose to settle in the cool coastal region of Santa Barbara in 1996. Currently they own two estate vineyards: the Dierberg Estate Vineyard outside the town of Santa Maria and the 70-acre Drum Canyon Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. The winery and vineyard operations have evolved into a family affair with their their children and spouses taking the reigns.

Deeply golden, this Chardonnay has an expansive and alluring nose of tropical fruit overtones. The core is opulent with baking spices, apricot marmalade, cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. It has a rich textural quality, concentration along with balance that makes it taste like a sophisticated and intellectual wine. This wine will have great aging potential.

By W Peter Hoyne