Talley Vineyards "Rincon Vineyard" Chardonnay 2023
(Arroyo Grande Valley, Central Coast, California) - [JD 93] [VM 93]

About the Winery:
Talley Vineyards is located in the San Luis Obispo Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) which is recognized as the coolest AVA in the state of California due to its direct proximity to the cold Pacific Ocean.  Within the San Luis Obispo Coast, there are two smaller AVAs, the Arroyo Grande Valley and the Edna Valley, and the winery owns vineyards and farms in both valleys.  The cool climate of the area, coupled with calcareous clay and shaly loam soils, makes it ideally suited to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Talley Vineyards’ specialties.

The story of Talley Vineyards began when Brian Talley's grandfather, Oliver Talley, began growing specialty vegetables in the Arroyo Grande Valley in 1948. In 1982, his son Don Talley, planted wine grapes on a rolling hillside parcel unsuitable for vegetable farming. Four years later, in 1986, he and his wife Rosemary founded Talley Vineyards.

About the Wine:
The 2023 Rincon Vineyard Chardonnay is a celebration of our heritage, offering a refreshing and complex flavor profile. Aromas of Asian pear, mascarpone and yellow apple lead to flavors of lemon curd, grapefruit and sage. The finish is rich and textural, carrying generous weight while maintaining a fresh, citrus-driven lift that lingers on the palate.

Vineyard Notes:
The Rincon Vineyard is the heart of Talley Vineyards, rooted in the home vineyard where the planting began in 1982. This vineyard saw the first plantings of Chardonnay, marking the beginning of our legacy. Over the years, the unique terroir of the East Rincon Vineyard has consistently produced exceptional Chardonnay, characterized by its striking minerality and citrus notes.

Winemakers Notes:
This wine was barrel fermented with native yeast before aging 16 months sur lie in 40% new French oak barriques and puncheons.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2023 Chardonnay Rincon Vineyard brings more richness, with stone fruits, crushed stone, white almond, and white flower nuances. Aged sur lie for 16 months, it's rocking on the palate, with medium-bodied richness, a pure, seamless mouthfeel, solid mid-palate concentration and depth, and outstanding length. Give bottles 6-12 months and drink over the following decade. Drink 2026-2036." (Sep 2025)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"Coming from the warmest site Talley farms, the 2023 Chardonnay Rincon Vineyard speaks softly but carries plenty of detail. White flowers and ripe stone fruit emerge from the glass, but the 2023 favors textural finesse over overt fruit. A Chardonnay of delicacy and quiet confidence." - Billy Norris (Aug 2025)