 A new vintage marks the return of one of our favorite finds from last year, as well as example #132 from us that not ALL Californian Chardonnays are the same or should be thought of as such. The wines from Ian Brand and his Paysan label are everything we love about Californian wine and winemaking; full on 'farmer wines' that are sourced from unique and often under-rated parts of the state, always showing off the distinct character of the pockets of Monterey and the Central Coast he pulls from. The cool climate and coastal influences on vineyards in this area tend to provide grapes with more natural acidity. All too often the winemaking choice with this fruit would be to beat that acidity out with lots of malolactic fermentation and oak barrel aging, but invariably that would make them just taste like fruit from everywhere else. Paysan choses to embrace that local character with mostly neutral barrels and a sensitive hand to the use of malo, just enough to buff off some of the rougher edges. Rich lemon curd and fresh melon aromas with a little flinty tone, definitely smelling more of the vineyards near Salinas than whoever the barrel makers may have been. The palate is rounder than you would expect, more leesy and warm Californian fruit at first but settling into a fresher citrus and mineral filled palate that finishes clean, juicy and more than a bit mouth-watering. A perfect wine to crush on all Spring and Summer long.
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March 2026
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