2022 Cambria Katherine's Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County

Always a great value, the 2022 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is light gold-hued with classy notes of ripe stone fruits, flower oil, toasted bread, and honeyed orange-like nuances. With medium-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, and a great finish, it tastes like it costs two to three times its price. Drink 2024 - 2028. Talk about a serious house white.

92 points jebdunnuck.com

The 2022 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is a very pretty, gracious wine. Light tropical accents, tangerine peel, white pepper and chamomile all grace this airy, lifted Chardonnay. In 2022, winemaker Jill Russell opted for more lots aged in steel and less oak to match the lighter style of the year.

92 points vinous.com

Aromas of honey drizzled on ripe honeydew melon invite the nose into this comfortingly classic style of California Chardonnay. Toasted hazelnut and apple pie flavors on the palate are balanced by brisk lemon, cinnamon and star anise spices.

92 points wineenthusiast.com

Cambria Katherine's Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County is a beautifully crafted wine that embodies the region's cool-climate influences and the skill of a winery known for producing exceptional, vineyard-driven wines. Santa Barbara County, located along California’s Central Coast, has quickly become one of the most revered regions for Chardonnay, and Cambria, a family-owned winery with a deep commitment to sustainable farming, has created a wine that highlights the true character of this dynamic terroir.

The grapes for Katherine's Chardonnay are sourced from the estate's Cambria Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, a subregion within Santa Barbara County that benefits from a unique combination of warm days and cool evenings due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This allows the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining bright acidity, which is key to crafting a balanced and refreshing Chardonnay. The winemaking approach focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the fruit’s purity and the distinctive qualities of the vineyard to shine through. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, with a portion undergoing malolactic fermentation to enhance its texture and add complexity.

In the glass, Cambria Katherine's Chardonnay has a golden-yellow color with hints of green, which reflects its youthful vibrancy. The nose is aromatic and complex, with inviting aromas of ripe stone fruits like peach, nectarine, and apricot, along with citrus notes of lemon zest and a subtle touch of vanilla and butter from the oak aging. There are also hints of toasted almond and a light floral note, adding depth and elegance to the bouquet.

On the palate, this Chardonnay is medium to full-bodied, with a smooth, creamy texture that is balanced by vibrant acidity. The stone fruit flavors are rich and ripe, with peach, apricot, and a touch of tropical fruit leading the way. The wine’s oak influence adds layers of vanilla, toasty oak, and almond, enhancing the wine’s richness while maintaining its fresh, zesty quality. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering fruit flavors and a touch of minerality that reflects the terroir of Santa Barbara County.

Cambria Katherine's Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its balance of fruit, acidity, and oak makes it a perfect match for seafood, such as lobster, scallops, or grilled fish, as well as poultry dishes like roasted chicken or turkey. It also pairs beautifully with creamy pastas, risottos, or cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, or Gruyère. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a meal, this Chardonnay offers elegance, complexity, and an unmistakable sense of place.