Vintage Character Barnett Chardonnay, Sangiocomo Vineyard, Carneros, California 2022 is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from the Los Carneros AVA, where the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay gives the fruit a long growing season and preserves freshness. The 2022 vintage in Carneros delivered ripe flavor concentration balanced by natural acidity, a combination shaped by a warm, dry season moderated by the appellation’s persistent marine winds and fog. Sourced from the celebrated Sangiacomo family’s vineyard sites, this wine reflects Carneros’ hallmark mix of cool-climate precision, wind exposure, and well-drained soils that favor vivid, structured Chardonnay.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing On the nose, it opens with lemon zest, green apple, white peach and orange blossom, followed by notes of toasted oak, vanilla and a light buttery nuance. The palate is medium- to full-bodied yet energetic, layering orchard fruit and citrus with a subtle flinty edge, gentle creaminess from lees aging, and a touch of hazelnut on the finish. The texture is polished rather than heavy, with enough tension to keep the wine focused through a long, savory close. Pair it with roast chicken with herbs, lobster risotto, or miso-glazed black cod.
Winery Background Barnett Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Fiona and Hal Barnett and built its reputation on small-lot wines crafted to express distinct vineyard origins. Although best known for its Spring Mountain estate reds, the winery also works with top coastal sites such as Sangiacomo in Carneros to capture site-specific character in Chardonnay. Fruit is harvested for balance, then shaped with a Burgundian-minded approach that typically includes barrel fermentation, lees contact, and measured oak influence to add texture without overwhelming the vineyard signature. That combination of meticulous sourcing, restrained craftsmanship, and a clear terroir focus makes Barnett a compelling benchmark for boutique California wine.