2007 Qupe Reserve Chardonnay Bien Nacido Block 11 Santa Barbara

Founded in 1982 by CA pioneer Bob Lindquist, Qupe quickly established itself as the premier winery in Santa Barabra County. Bob planted some of the first cool-climate Syrah in California at the Bien Nacido vineyard in 1997, which has since been thrust into the "Grand Cru" spotlight and is universally regarded as one of the best vineyard sites in all of California. Bob is known as one of founding Rhone Rangers and demonstrated that Rhone varietals could succeed in California and cooler climates in particular.

"Qupe" is a Chumash Native American word for poppy, the California state flower often found in the area. The Bien Nacido vineyard translates to "of good birth" and is part of a larger parcel, associated with an original California land grant. Given the vineyard's east-west exposition, the cool air from the Pacific Ocean flows into the Santa Maria valley and creates a perfect, natural air conditioning that keeps nights and mornings cool and the days warm. For this reason, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign supreme here. And, as Bob discovered, so too does Syrah.

The Block 11 is Qupe's "Reserve" Chardonnay. It is one of the best blocks in the 240-acre vineyard for Chardonnay. This wine has a 10-15+ year drinking window and is peaking now. Given the blend, expect a wine that is broader in the mouth, golden in color, and a fully integrated wine that blossoms with lemon peel, smooth oak and vanilla, and dried apricot.