Situated a mere 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Norgrove Farm is a very cool, windswept site that Aaron stumbled upon in 2021. Located in Arroyo Grande but west of the Arroyo Grande AVA, it exemplifies what the San Luis Obispo Coast is all about - extreme vineyards in extreme places. The combination of ocean views, chilly climate, and very thin marine shale soils told him that this was the spot for making nervy, Burgundian-inspiried Chardonnay. Aaron seeks to create a style that is a trifecta of Chablis, Côte de Beaune, and coastal California, balancing intense acidity and minerality, with touches of texture and oak.
The nose opens with ripe lemon and tropical fruits, followed by understated hints of pear, brioche, wet stone, and struck flint. The palate echoes the nose with flavors of fresh lemon and tropical fruits - star fruit and barely ripe pineapple. Supporting the core of fruit, is a slightly creamy texture but very fresh acidity, adding great persistence to the palate. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with notes of green apple and fresh lemon, with just a hint of new oak.
JEB DUNNUCK 91 POINTS - "Vivid light gold-hued, the 2023 Chardonnay Norgrove Farm reveals ripe stone fruits, toasted almond, and orange blossom. It's vibrant, focused, and medium-bodied, with juicy yet integrated acidity and a clean, classy, dry finish that will allow it to shine on the dinner table. It was aged nine months in French oak barrels (20% new) followed by six months in stainless steel, with full malolactic fermentation. Drink 2025-2030."
The nose opens with ripe lemon and tropical fruits, followed by understated hints of pear, brioche, wet stone, and struck flint. The palate echoes the nose with flavors of fresh lemon and tropical fruits - star fruit and barely ripe pineapple. Supporting the core of fruit, is a slightly creamy texture but very fresh acidity, adding great persistence to the palate. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with notes of green apple and fresh lemon, with just a hint of new oak.
JEB DUNNUCK 91 POINTS - "Vivid light gold-hued, the 2023 Chardonnay Norgrove Farm reveals ripe stone fruits, toasted almond, and orange blossom. It's vibrant, focused, and medium-bodied, with juicy yet integrated acidity and a clean, classy, dry finish that will allow it to shine on the dinner table. It was aged nine months in French oak barrels (20% new) followed by six months in stainless steel, with full malolactic fermentation. Drink 2025-2030."
