region: Sonoma County, California, United States Grape(s): Chardonnay Farming: practicing organic
There’s a tendency among California winemakers to portray their Chardonnays as being very Burgundian in style, insisting that they are nicely restrained, with just the right balance of fruit, acidity, alcohol and delicate oak influence.Cliché and very rarely a fitting comparison.So it was a pleasant surprise to taste with Matt Licklider of Lioco, a winery that truly delivers on this promise.Their Sonoma County Chardonnay compares favorable to Bourgogne Blanc, with a crisp, fresh personality, highlighted by notes of Meyer lemon, apple and fresh pear. It is aged on the lees for body, but picked early to retain its bright minerality.
Pairings:Dungeness crabs with butter and a squeeze of lemon
