California wine: 2019 Margerum Wine Company BARDEN Chardonnay
Sta. Rita Hills
Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Barbara County
Central Coast
California
13.7% alcohol
Empty bottle weight:
21.5 ounces // 612 grams
Cork closure
259 cases produced
BARDEN is Margerum Wine Company’s label that focuses exclusively on fruit sourced from the cooler Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Doug Margerum’s middle name is Barden, which means “lives near the boar’s den,” hence the image of a wild boar on the label. I once lived just outside that appellation and have actually seen wild boars in the area!
The 2019 growing season was mild, allowing slow and steady ripening and longer hang times before harvest. Once picked, the grapes feremented in oak and went through full malolactic fermentation before aging sur lie (on the lees) in both new and used French oak barriques for 10 months before bottling.
During our recent tasting, Doug told me he thinks this is the best wine he’s made. Considering his decades-long career, that’s impressive! I encourage you to try it for yourself and be sure to let me know if you agree. 😉
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Wild boar sculpture at the Margerum Wine Company's tasting room in Santa Barbara
