2019 Tyler Mae Estate Chardonnay (750ml)

Chardonnay from Sta. Rita Hills, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Marking the first estate vineyard release from the Tyler winery in the Sta. Rita Hills, the remarkable 97pt 2019 Tyler Mae Estate Chardonnay boasts bright, crisp fruit balanced on a backbone of tangy acidity, described as "captivating from the get go" by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni and crafted with the promising potential to age by rising star winemaker Justin Willett.

Sourcing his Tyler Chardonnays from a range of historic vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County since 2005, founder Justin Willett purchased the 45-acre Mae Estate property in 2015, planting 26 acres with a selection of California heritage Chardonnay clones suited to the rugged terrain. Located in the Sta. Rita Hills just 15 miles from the Pacific Coast, the Mae Vineyard enjoys long sunlit days with temperatures moderated by maritime fog and breezes in the afternoon, yielding optimally ripe, bright fruit with saline-tinged acidity. Practicing minimal intervention in the cellar while employing a restrained use of oak, Justin aged the outstanding 2019 Mae Estate Chardonnay for 10 months in 20% new large French oak barrels, yielding a crisp, elegantly styled Chardonnay of impeccable balance and finesse.

Spearheading projects across the region including a collaboration with Burgundy's iconic Domaine de Montille, the tremendously talented Justin Willett crafted the mineral-driven 97pt 2019 Tyler Mae Estate Chardonnay from a uniquely Sta. Rita Hills terroir with a Burgundian sense of refinement rendering Vinous critic Galloni "blown away," an exciting small production estate offering that fans and collectors of California Chardonnay will want to be among the first and "happy few" to enjoy.

97WA

95V

Mae Estate is brand new cuvée from Tyler. "This place came on the market in 2014," explains winemaker Justin Tyler Willett. "We had contemplated buying a place, so we will break ground here in 2022 on a new winery." Located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation on marine sediment soils, the Mae Estate will become the new home for Tyler wines. The 2019 Chardonnay Mae Estate is a beautiful first iteration. The nose features creamy panna cotta, lemon peel and pastry aromas streaked with sweet spice, and the palate has a unique satiny texture that coats the mouth and draws out its plush, creamy citrus and apricot layers. Don't hesitate to try this promising new cuvée from Tyler.

97 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Mar 2022)

The 2019 Chardonnay Mae Estate Vineyard is a bright, effusive wine endowed with striking translucence and energy. Lemon peel white flowers, white pepper and mint open first. This is an especially airy, gracious Chardonnay. Time in the glass brings out striking textural richness to play all of those bright, high-toned notes. A mesmerizing wine of dimension and phenolic intensity, the 2019 is captivating from the get go. The way it changes in the glass bodes very well for the future.

95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Oct 2021)

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$74.99

12 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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