Byron Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
(Santa Maria Valley, California) - [WE 95]

About the Winery:

Since 1984, Byron has cultivated an obsession for crafting site-specific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from distinctive vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills appellations. Byron has several vineyards along the Central Coast, most producing their famous site-specific wines. The Nielsen Vineyard, Bien Nacido Vineyard, and Julia’s Vineyard all call the Santa Maria Valley appellation home. The Nielsen Vineyard produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two of the Santa Maria Valley’s three flagship varietals. The Bien Nacido Vineyard produces Chardonnay, and Julia’s Vineyard produces Pinot Noir.

With the goal to create site-expressive wines that feature a distinct signature, winemaker Jonathan Nagy sources the grapes row by row from Byron’s estate vineyard as well as other select sites. A Santa Barbara County local, Nagy’s focus is to express the character of the grape, especially since he’s always looking to perfect his Pinot Noir.  

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Expertly layered aromas of toast, fine-grained oak, smoked apple, nectarine, crushed limestone and light butterscotch make for a nose that should please all types of Chardonnay lovers. The palate is immediately hit with chalky and fresh acidity, leading into lively flavors of sliced Asian pear and finishing with an intriguing hint of spearmint." - Matt Kettmann (Dec 2020)