Qupé Chardonnay, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County 2022

Bob Lindquist, Santa Barbara County 

Qupé mean Poppy flower in Red Indian.

Qupé is a legendary California Rhône pioneer – from its founding with cool-climate Syrah and Chardonnay, through decades of acclaim, to its recent return to local stewardship under Andrew Murray.

Andrew has been making wine in Santa Barbara County for over three decades and recently acquired Qupé to strengthen his Rhône inspired wines. All of Andrew's wines draw fruit from the breezy cool climate East-West valleys that run along California's Central coast. His philosophy emphasises that great wines are grown in the vineyard. His wines honour careful site selection and are produced with minimal intervention. The original founder, Bob Lindquist, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 and the Californian poppy logo of the winery is now world renowned.

Qupé’s Chardonnay captures the freshness and restraint of Santa Barbara County’s coastal vineyards. Notes of zesty green apple, lemon rind and juicy pineapple along with some notes of toasted brioche and orange marmalade. On the palate, the bright, lively acidity brings out citrus flavours of orange and lemon that linger throughout a long, bright finish.

Grape: Chardonnay

Biodynamic