Zotovich Chardonnay
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–8 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Pan-seared scallops, roasted chicken with tarragon, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Sourced from the family-owned Zotovich Vineyard in the northern corridor of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, this Chardonnay is a masterclass in coastal terroir. The vineyard is defined by its dramatic, nutrient-poor sandy soils and its direct exposure to the chilly winds and fog rolling in from the Pacific Ocean. This extreme maritime climate slows the ripening process, allowing the grapes to develop deep, complex flavors while maintaining a vibrant, natural acidity. Dominion Tantara honors this unique site through traditional, low-intervention winemaking, utilizing barrel fermentation and aging in select French oak. The resulting wine beautifully marries a rich, textured mouthfeel with a striking, saline-tinged minerality and bright citrus core, capturing the wild, wind-swept essence of the California coast.
🍾 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.