90 Points - Wine Spectator
2012 Migration Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard
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Migration is dedicated to crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the finest cool-climate winegrowing regions to create wines that highlight lush fruit, bright acidity and impeccably balanced oak. Located atop a mesa overlooking the Santa Maria River, Dierberg Vineyard has emerged as one of Santa Maria Valley’s great Chardonnay sites. Grown in sandy soils, Dierberg’s meticulously farmed vines face the full force of the winds that sweep off the Pacific, producing low yields of concentrated Chardonnay. The result is a wine with length and force that is highlighted by bright acidity and beautiful peach, nectarine and white flower aromatics.
Reviews
Wine Spectator
90
Wine Review Online
94
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Chardonnay; Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 35% New Oak, 65% Second Vintage
Winemaker Notes
Dierberg Vineyard always produces a rich and aromatic expression of Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay, and this wine is no exception. From its alluring orange blossom, fresh pineapple, brown sugar and green apple aromas to its intense palate weight and bright acidity, this is a lush, complex wine. At the same time, it displays lovely balance and incredible length with just a touch of well-integrated oak.
Production
The 2012 growing season offered near-ideal temperatures, and with no unseasonable frosts, we were able to set a full crop. Temperate weather throughout the summer and a lack of heat spikes, meant the fruit ripened slowly, developing rich flavors, while maintaining excellent acidity. Cooler fall weather slowed down ripening and allowed us to pick everything exactly when we wished. As a result, our 2012 whites show beautiful varietal character with a solid citrus base and abundant ripe tropical fruit.
Other Notes
Released: March 2014
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2012
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley
Vineyard Designation
Dierberg Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 26, 2012
Sugar
24° Brix
Acid
0.57 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.39
Aging
10 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
100% Barrel Fermentation
Bottling Date
July 2013
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
90
Wine Review Online
94
Product Reviews
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Holly
(Jun 24, 2014 at 2:39 PM)
My favorite Chardonnay to date.
Robert Whitley, WineReviewOnline.com
(Oct 9, 2014 at 8:57 AM)
Migration, Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County) Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard 2012 ($55): Migration's Dierberg Vineyard Chardonnay shines a bright light on what the Santa Maria Valley does best, and that's Chardonnay. This vintage offers an oily texture, mouth-watering acidity and layered complexity, with notes of crunchy green apple, pineapple and lemon creme. The well-judged use of oak delivers a refined Chardonnay with hints of baking spices and vanillin. There's a better than even chance, too, that this wine will improve in the bottle over the next two to three years. (published on WineReviewOnline.com 10/7/14)