Chardonnay Paso Robles

Daou's Adelaida District Chardonnay originates from the limestone-studded benchlands of Paso Robles' Adelaida District, where diurnal temperature swings and well-draining calcareous soils shape the fruit's mineral spine. The winery employs barrel fermentation in French oak (typically 50% new) with extended sur lie aging, a technique that builds textural complexity through yeast autolysis while preserving the varietal's stone-fruit character. This production approach—common among California's quality-focused producers—creates a wine that balances richness with acidity rather than pursuing oak dominance. The limestone terroir imparts a distinctive salinity and white-mineral undertone that distinguishes Adelaida expressions from warmer Paso Robles sites. Drink within 3–5 years of vintage for optimal freshness and oak integration.