97 Point Chardonnay from My Favorite Neighbor

2021 My Favorite Neighbor ‘Blanc’ San Luis Obispo Chardonnay

“We believe it takes a village to make great wine.” – Eric Jensen

Winemaker Eric Jensen’s label “My Favorite Neighbor” is an homage to his community in Paso Robles. To make his Cabernets and Chardonnays, he sources the best, sustainably farmed fruit from a handful of neighboring growers.

Our favorite thing about Eric’s 2021 Chardonnay is how unapologetically old-school California it is. This is a ripe, fruity, generous, oaky California Chardonnay. The whole approach is so very Eric Jensen-y. It is no-nonsense and without any regard for pretense or the latest trends and bandwagons. This is the kind of wine that he loves to drink, and he believes that you will love it too. Guess what, Eric. You’re right. Right away, the heady aromas of roasted nuts, toasted oak, and brown butter marry with bitingly fresh citrus blossoms. With an effortless roundness, the palate can handle the oak treatment without heaviness. Tingly acidity ripples and pinballs through the mid-palate, adding levity to the unctuous texture.

We are super thankful for Eric Jensen and his unwavering aesthetics. We have missed Chardonnays like this.

What about you?

97 POINTS – WINE ADVOCATE

The 2021 Chardonnay is very ripe in style with scents of banana chip, apple pie, jasmine, allspice and brown sugar. The full-bodied palate is packed with ripe, spicy fruits and plenty of refreshing acidity, and it finishes long with a satiny, mouth-coating texture. It’s an old-school style reminiscent of Napa that fans of ripe, oaked Chardonnays will enjoy.

FROM THE ESTATE

A deep and rich hue of golden straw gives the first clue that this is a serious Chardonnay. Aromas of pear, green apple, and lime peel jump out of the glass followed by more nuanced fragrances of orange blossom, ginger root, and brioche. The sensation on the palate casually demonstrates both broad depth and laser like focus. An assertive core of acid and saline minerality rests completely ensconced in rich flavors of pie crust, clotted cream, and burnt caramel. Drink now for fresh vibrance, or in ten years for wild complexity. This wine is a perfect white to be enjoyed year-round.

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