2021 Bishop's Peak San Luis Obispo Coast Chardonnay

The Bishop's Peak wines may be some of the sneakiest values in all of California and that all has to do with who's making them. Long the second label of Talley Vineyards, this venerable farming family has been making not only some of the best wines in the Central Coast for decades but still views winemaking as a secondary goal behind their massive farming operation. (If you ever get a chance to get some of their Bell Peppers, don't hesitate!) From 100% Estate fruit and made exactly in the same way as the Talley wines these bottlings are not to be believed for the cost.

Much like its older sibling the Bishop's Peak is sees full, natural malolactic fermentation and 100% oak aging in partially new barrels. So while it picks up richness and texture it is also built to be enjoyed right away. While it has that baked apple base and creamy texture it still has the mouthwatering, hallmark acidity and lift of the Central Coast. Underknown and underappreciated this has long been a staple of inexpensive Chardonnay wherever I've been lucky enough to tell its story. (Bryan, GTO)