94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2014 Migration Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard
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Highlighting lush, layered flavors, bright acidity and impeccably balanced French oak, Migration is dedicated to crafting wines from the finest cool-climate winegrowing regions. Established in 1973, Bien Nacido has earned a reputation as one of California’s premier vineyards. Our prized blocks include original 1973 plantings, as well as vines planted in 1991. Grown in soils with abundant limestone, these older vines produce a gorgeous Chardonnay with complex minerality, a lovely texture and multilayered citrus and orange blossom flavors.
Wine Enthusiast
94
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Chardonnay; Cooperage: 90% Barrel Fermentation, 90% French Oak, 35% New Oak, 55% Second Vintage, 10% Stainless Steel
Winemaker Notes
For our debut vintage of Chardonnay from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard, aromas of fresh Braeburn and Granny Smith apples dominate the nose, supported by enticing hints of citrus blossom and crushed limestone. On the palate, this wine builds on an exquisite mineral-driven foundation, with layers of ripe Fuji apple and Key lime pie supported by a touch of toasty oak and a bright acid profile.
Production
The 2014 growing season got off to a fast start, with the vines awaking early in spring. Though drought conditions continued throughout California, moderate summer weather and a lack of any long-term heat spikes allowed us to avoid any issues. The steady weather contributed to ideal even ripening, and our first pick came into the winery in early August—one of our earliest starts on record. By the time the first rains arrived in late September, harvest was essentially complete. As a result, for the third straight year, the quality of the harvest was exceptional.
Other Notes
Released: March 2016
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley
Vineyard Designation
Bien Nacido Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 3, 2014
Sugar
23° Brix
Acid
0.63 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.28
Aging
10 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
75% Malolactic Fermentation
Bottling Date
August 2015
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Enthusiast
94
