Foxglove Chardonnay 2009

Robert Parker 90
"This terrific portfolio of values is led by Foxgloves remarkable 2009 Chardonnay, a non-oaked, stainless steel-fermented and aged white that sees no malolactic fermentation. Moreover, there are 30,000 cases of this beauty, a blend of two-thirds Santa Barbara County fruit and the rest from Paso Robles and further north in Monterey. It exhibits crisp honeyed lemon, citrus, poached pear, and honeysuckle notes intermixed with a hint of pineapple. However, it is the zesty acidity, stunning purity, and delightful balance this naked Chardonnay possesses that make it so appealing. Enjoy it over the next year."

"At the core of Foxglove is Bob Varner, also the winemaker at Varner Wines. Beginning with their first vintage in 1991, Bob sources the wine from a variety of places, all of which are in Edna Valley. The resulting wine has Central Coast appellation pricing, and is full of complex fruit flavors that the Edna Valley appellation is known for.

Edna Valley, a relatively small appellation, grows mostly Chardonnay on about 1000 acres. The entire acreage is tightly controlled by a few owners employing the most up-to-date vineyard practices that give the valley impressive evenness. Located just south of San Luis Obispo, its vineyards are some of California's closest to the Pacific Ocean. Mild winters, cool, foggy summer, and clay-loam soils produce a combination of flavors that have been described as "textbook Central Coast."