The Delicato Family farms a large acreage of vineyards. Their San Bernabe Vineyard in the Salinas Valley of Monterey County is a large site with a small block of limestone-rich soil that provides the grapes for this wine. The 2019 Diora La Grande Lumière Chardonnay shows the beauty of the Monterey style. The bouquet is bright and forward, with lovely apple, pineapple and citrus fruits backed by intriguing floral and spice hints. The flavors are sumptuous and delightful. Lovely pineapple, pear and ripe apple fruits are backed by hints of lemon, vanilla and baking spices. It has a rich texture that is given added interest by the citrus and subtle spice nuances that linger at the finish. Chardonnays with this balance and elegance should be enjoyed often.
Diora, Monterey County (California) Chardonnay 2019
By Wayne Belding