Tyler Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2022

“The 2022 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) is a fabulous introduction to this range. Orchard fruit, citrus, white flowers and mint give the 2022 lovely aromatic presence. The blend of Santa Maria, Sta. Rita Hills and Los Alamos fruit works so well in this bottling. Drinking window: 2023-2030. 91 points

Justin Willett continues to expand his formidable empire. Readers will note a number of new releases in this year’s collection. When I first met Willett, a dozen years ago, Tyler was a new winery working exclusively with purchased fruit. Today, Tyler owns two estate vineyards, the new Mae Estate and the historic Fiddlestix, both in the Sta. Rita Hills, and produces a far wider range of wines. That is a dramatic transformation in a very short period of time. In general, the Chardonnays see 10 months in barrel followed by 6-8 months in tank. The Pinots spend 18 months in barrel, 33-100% new depending on the wine, with minimal to no racking during that time. There are a ton of highlights here, but I was especially impressed with the Mae and Rinconada Chardonnays and the Fiddlestix and Rinconada Pinots. Although Willett built his reputation on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, in recent years, he has shown just as much talent with Cabernet Sauvignon.”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous (09/23)