Tolosa Winery, Edna Valley (San Luis Obispo County, California) Chardonnay 2018

 My husband pours a glass of wine for me in the evening, but before I can actually drink and enjoy it, he challenges me to analyze its characteristics to determine grape variety and region.  The grape variety for this one was pretty easy:  Not a very aromatic variety like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Gewurztraminer, but with the slightest hint of fresh asparagus, which for me points to Chardonnay.  In the mouth the wine was taut, vibrating with the tension between citrus zest, green apple, exotic savory, salty flavors and nervy acidity.  It clearly was a high-quality, intense wine and it seemed to have more Old than New World character, but I really couldn’t place it in either.  Finally, having mercy (or perhaps ready to get on with the evening), he revealed the wine.  I am delighted because I love the style of this Chardonnay and needed to learn more about it.  The wine comes from the Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo County, considered the coolest California AVA (American Viticultural Area).  Owner Robin Baggett originally planned to grow cattle on the ranch, but realized the climate and geology was better suited to growing grapes.  He, with his partner Bob Schiebelhut, began planting vineyards in 1988 and in 1998 with an additional partner founded Tolosa.  In 2006 Baggett expanded his wine endeavors by creating Alpha Omega in Napa Valley.