Kendall-Jackson, Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County, California) Chardonnay 2016

 The uniqueness of Santa Maria Valley, as a whole, stems from its east-west orientation, instead of the usually north-south orientation of most California valleys.  This orientation allows the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean direct access to the vineyards.  Indeed, vineyards just a few miles inland are considerable warmer, producing grapes and wines with different flavor profiles, than ones further west.  Although Camelot Highlands is still in Santa Maria Valley, Kendall-Jackson’s Chardonnay from there is quite different from their other Santa Maria bottling, demonstrating the diversity of that valley.  This one delivers more spiced tropical fruit flavors balanced by lively acidity.  Tasting the two side-by-side shows that location does matter.