2016 Talley/K&L Wine Merchants Edna Valley Chardonnay

Just south of San Luis Obispo, along California's Central Coast, sits one of the state's most charming and humble wine-growing AVAs: the Edna Valley, home to dozens of small producers that make wonderful wines among the rolling hills of the region. There's a lot to love about the fresh and affordably-priced expressions coming out of Edna right now, which is exactly why we've forged direct relationships with some of SLO's best family-run estates and begun a partnership program of co-sponsored cuvées. For the third year in a row, we've worked out another K&L edition of Edna Valley Chardonnay with Talley Vineyards, a producer renowned for its Burgundian mindset of terroir-focused winemaking from each of its six different vineyard sites. With its facility at the foot of the Rincon Vineyard, Talley is one of the most exciting producers of Chardonnay in the state, making clean and vibrant expressions from holdings all along the coastline. Talley's commitment to "Burgundian winemaking" stems not only from admiration for the Côte d'Or, but also a shared similarity of climate. The cool and slightly foggy conditions of Edna valley, with the chill of the ocean breeze coming through the hills, creates the perfect setting for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They make wines with acidity and drive, reaching maximum ripeness while maintaining a a zippy and refreshing crispness from front to back. But like a fine Montrachet, there's a richness and sense of weight from just the right amount of oak.