Santos Brujos Chardonnay

This time of year, when the frost is closing in and every moment of brightness/sunlight feels fleeting and sacred, Santos Brujos Chardonnay feels like the exact magical antidote to the darkness. The name is literally '“Saintly Witches” derived from one of the preparations of biodymanics and we think this wine is literally that - saintly, witchy and magical - giving us all the delicious, unctuous tastiness we need to get through this winter!

About nine miles from the Pacific ocean, nestled in the Valle de Guadalupe, Sergio Vidal & Luis Pecina are working some magic. Adhering to strict biodynamic and natural wine principles, they are looking at the whole picture - at the planet as well as the ecosystem of the vineyard and not the ways it can be changed to make a ‘product’. Grown on clay and sandy soil, the vines radiate outward in a Fibonacci spiral (check it out on google maps!! and zoom in - it's pretty cool). And provide incredible structure and personality to the grapes!

The chardonnay is harvested in August, then fermented half in French oak barrels and half in stainless steel tanks. There's the bit of richness and body up front. But then you're hit with this zip of life - of bright acidity that makes it feel alive and balanced. There's something to it that makes me think of tarte tatin or kouign amann - like a hint of nutty caramelized sugar and salt battling it out on the palate. Not sweet in any way - just citrus-y, minerality, a little tropical note - a completely awesome Chardonnay that will make you rethink everything you thought about chardonnay and leave you wanting sip after sip until the bottle is gone and you’re so glad you bought 2!!