Description

In 1964 Uriel Nielson planted the first commercial vineyard in Santa Barbara County. This is the famous Byron Estate. At Nielson they pay homage to their namesake and continue to source from this historic site. Each vintage sees them produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and limited quantities of Rhône-style wines. Sourced from Santa Barbara County‘s most celebrated vineyards. Small-lot winemaking techniques such as hand pruning, block-by-block harvesting, barrel fermentations and lees stirring to create wines that capture the culture, lifestyle and flavor of Santa Barbara County.

Nielson by Byron is definitely a guilty pleasure Chardonnay. But it is so mouthfilling and full of flavour that you can’t help by be smitten. No need to age it any longer, I’d drink this now and pair it with some epoisse cheese.

Chardonnay

The grape that you can plant anywhere, in any climate and do anything to and it will still taste like an OK wine. When people hit the sweet spot of site, climate, cropping and winemaking, Chardonnay becomes a magical wine that will age gracefully but charm you at any age. Chardonnays can range from cool climate lean and citrusy to warmer climate tropical and overt. Oak and lees can add flavouring as can malolactic fermentation.