Samantha Starr is a new label owned by Sam Balderas the 20 year winemaker at Talbott Vineyards. Each year a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir will be made in small lots from the finest grapes grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation of Monterey County. Each vintage Sam will strive to produce wines that have the flavor and complexity that this region has come to be known for. Current releases are 4000 cases of 2004 monterey County Chardonnay and 4000 cases of 2005 Monterey County Pinot Noir.

This release from Sam Balderas who has made wines of consistently exceptional quality at Talbott Vineyards for nineteen years shows his meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to traditional winemaking techniques. The 2004 Samantha Starr Chardonnay was produced from grapes grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. The vineyards are relatively close proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderates vineyard temperatures resulting in a long, moderate growing season. Here the gravelly, loam soil allows excellent root penetration enabling the vines to pick up sub-soil minerals that increase the complexity of flavor and result in reduced yields.

This delicious Chardonnay was stainless steel fermented to retain the pure fruit flavors and aged in French oak barrels for added complexity. Medium straw in color, the nose shows balanced elements of tropical fruits and fresh citrus. On the palate it exhibits ripe bananas, peach and just a hint of toasty oak. The long, crisp finish is soft with sweet yeasty overtones. This is a wonderful, food friendly wine that will pair well with a variety of dishes.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Crab cakes, Olives, Oysters, Stuffed Clams, Smoked Salmon, Chicken, Shrimp or Pork with cream sauce. In general, avoid tomato based dishes - the sharp acidity of the tomato doesn't go well with the buttery flavors in a Chardonnay