In 1994, after making wines in Napa Valley for Louis Martini and later working at Chalone Vineyards, Stephen Ross Dooley founded his own winery in San Luis Obispo. He favors full-throttle Burgundian winemaking from barrel fermentation, full malo-lactic, lees aging and stirring. This 2020 was aged for 10 months in French oak, 33% new. Made from several vineyards in the cool Edna Valley, the wine combines beautiful aromas of mango and citrus with toast and vanilla. Crème brûlée and lemon flavors are presented in a full bodied package with solid acidity holding this together. Nicely textured and savory, this is big time Chardonnay at a terrific price.
Stephen Ross Wine Cellars, Edna Valley (Central Coast, California) Chardonnay 2020
By Norm Roby