Cambria ‘Katherine's Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2021/22, Santa Maria Valley

Santa Maria Valley is a coastal region in California’s Santa Barbara County. Thanks to its cool and breezy climate, the area is renowned for producing fresh and elegant wines. Cambria was one of the first wineries here. This sustainably run estate is looked after by owner Barbara Jackson, plus an all-female team which includes her daughters, Katherine and Julia. The family consider this single-vineyard Chardonnay to be the equivalent of a French Grand Cru – all thanks to the complexity found in the plot’s 50-year-old vines, and the vineyard’s prime location. It perfectly captures ‘refrigerated sunshine’ – the perfect combination of warm sun, cool breezes and ocean influence. Discover notes of white peach, lemon zest, green apple and citrus blossom. Add toasty flavours of crème brûlée from its time in oak, and you’re in for a seriously complex white that’ll pair beautifully with chicken dishes. Wine Enthusiast awarded this 2019 vintage 93 points.