Great QPR in this Diatom Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2023
Over the course of a couple evenings, we enjoyed this crisp clean un-oaked central coast Chardonnay, first with baked chicken with potatoes, sweet potatoes and onions, then with some artisan cheeses and fresh fruits.This is from accomplished producer/winemaker Greg Brewer, who produced his first vintage in 1996, Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs - raised in neutral barrels with whole cluster fermentation. He also “acts out his almost deviant desire to go outside his Brewer-Clifton paradigm to explore a new muse – Syrah” produced under his Ex Post Facto label.
This moderately priced Diatom label by Brewer, comes from the Mission Mills Vineyard just outside of Los Alamos. As noted on the rear label, Diatom is named for the fossil-rich diatomaceous earth in which these vines grow.
Brewer’s wines are showcased at his tasting room in Los Olivos, by appointment only.
This label was wine #37 on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines of 2023 and #18 in the Top 100 Wines of 2025.
This 2023 Diatom Chardonnay can be had for under $25 and provides great QPR - quality price ratio at that price point.
Vinous writes, “This is a stunning wine for the price and for its production of around 40,000 cases.” With that level of production, it should be readily available in local wine shops as well as the big box beverage marts.
Jeb Dunnuck writes, “This impeccably made Chardonnay should be snatched up by readers, as it competes with wines at two to three times the price, a no-brainer purchase for those who love Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. ”
Decanter wrote; “One of the region's perennial top-value Chardonnays that retains the truest sense of place.”
Linda especially loved this unoaked and fermented in steel tanks Chardonnay with its full-bodied but balanced and amazingly rich in ripe fruit.
Wine Enthusiast wrote - “This wine made by the legendary Greg Brewer offers a very affordable taste of his mastery.”
All of this fruit is from Mission Hills outside Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County.
Winemaker Notes - “ Our singular focus is to present a pure and precise expression of Chardonnay. The Diatom Santa Barbara Chardonnay offers aromas of lemon, citrus blossom and wet sand with flavors of saline and white peach on the palate. A precise, balanced wine. winemaker Greg Brewer calls the wine ‘big and neutral, blurring the lines of expectation.’”
This release was rated 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous, 93 points by Decanter and Wine Spectator who calls it a ‘Smart Buy’, and 92 points and “Editors Choice” by Wine Enthusiast.
Golden colored, medium full bodied, crisp, clean, pure, round but nicely, balanced, smooth flavors of citrus, green apple, cardamom and floral with subtle pineapple mangoes, and chalky mineral, with soft tangy acidity, on a smooth balanced finish.
RM 92 points.
