Lincourt Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2004

Lincourt Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2004 is 100% Chardonnay, 86% from Santa Maria Valley (65% Bien Nacido vineyard, 21% Solomon Hills Vineyard), and 14% from Rancho Santa Rosa in the Santa Rita Hills. The wine was barrel fermented, underwent malolactic fermentation, and was aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Production: 5500 cases

The winemaking team includes Alan Phillips and Maurice Boyd. 89.5 points. Color: Light gold with a slight greenish tint. Aromas: Lightly spiced peach, pineapple, grapefruit/orange citrus, and hints of butter and nutty vanilla oak. The mouthfeel is medium bodied, creamy, round and unsweet. Tart citrus, tropical fruit, butter, and sweet/spicy oak notes echo in the crisp finish. Closure: Real cork. Retail: $18. (Purchased on Sale: $14.) Value: Very nice. Food pairing: Spanakopita (Spinach Triangles).

Lincourt was founded by Bill Foley in 1996. The tasting room and small vineyard is located just north of Solvang, along Alamo Pintado Road. Foley also owns Foley Vineyards, founded in 1998, which encompasses Rancho Santa Rosa and a new winery and visitor center along highway 246, just west of Buellton (Santa Rita Hills). View recent photos of Lincourt and Foley Vineyards.