Bien Nacido Vineyard O Block Chardonnay
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Pan-seared scallops, roasted chicken with tarragon, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Sourced from the hallowed soils of the Santa Maria Valley, the Dominion Tantara Bien Nacido Vineyard 'O Block' Chardonnay is a tribute to one of California's most iconic viticultural landmarks. Planted in 1973 by the Miller family, the historic 'O Block' features some of the oldest own-rooted Chardonnay vines in the state. This block benefits from the unique transverse orientation of the valley, which funnels cool Pacific breezes and morning fog directly into the vineyard, lengthening the growing season. Dominion Tantara honors this exceptional fruit through traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques, employing native yeast fermentation, gentle lees stirring, and aging in select French oak barrels. The resulting wine is a masterclass in balance, marrying the block's signature saline minerality and vibrant acidity with rich, textured layers of stone fruit and toasted brioche.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1997 by Bill Cates, Dominion Tantara is a distinguished boutique winery located in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, California. The winery is dedicated to producing exceptional, site-specific wines, sourcing fruit from some of the Central Coast's most prestigious vineyards, including Bentrock, Dierberg, and La Encantada. Emphasizing traditional French winemaking methods and minimal intervention, Dominion Tantara specializes in elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Their acclaimed single-vineyard and reserve bottlings, such as the Cuvee Jeannette and Evelyn Pinot Noirs, are highly regarded for their sophistication, balance, and aging potential.