LIOCO 'Kimari' Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2023

Winemaking

LIOCO is a producer committed to sourcing distinctive vineyard sites across California's coastal regions and working with minimal intervention in the cellar. The winery's approach emphasizes the expression of place over oak influence, crafting wines that reflect their specific terroir through careful site selection and thoughtful winemaking decisions.

Tasting Notes

The 'Kimari' opens with bright citrus and stone fruit aromatics, with a measured hand of oak that enhances rather than dominates. On the palate, this is a mineral-driven Chardonnay with crisp acidity that carries white peach and subtle hazelnut notes, giving it a refined elegance. The wine finishes clean and refreshing, with hints of buttery complexity that linger without overwhelming the wine's natural acidity and sense of place.

Producer

LIOCO works with carefully selected vineyard parcels across California's coast, with a particular focus on cooler, maritime-influenced regions. The winery's model emphasizes quality over quantity, partnering directly with growers who share their philosophy of sustainable, attentive viticulture.

Terroir

The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation sits just inland from the Pacific, where cool ocean breezes moderate temperatures and encourage slow, even ripening of Chardonnay. The region's diverse soils—a mix of limestone, sandstone, and volcanic influences—contribute the mineral character and complexity that define Santa Cruz Mountain whites. This combination of maritime influence and varied geology produces Chardonnays of particular tension and precision.

Food Pairings

Try this wine with roasted chicken with herbs and lemon, where the wine's acidity and stone fruit complement both the richness and brightness of the dish. For something more composed, pair it with pan-seared halibut with brown butter and capers—the wine's minerality and hazelnut notes will echo the nuttiness of the butter while its acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. A casual charcuterie board with aged cheeses and roasted almonds would also be a natural match.