Nielson by Byron Santa Barbara County Chardonnay ($13)

This Chardonnay out of Santa Barbara County was an unexpected delight. While being a great value, it is lightly oaked so as to not be over-powering and lets though the wonderfully bright fruit flavors including fig, honey and brown spice. But what makes this Chardonnay unusual is it's minerality that is most often found in French wines.  You may also find this one with "Byron" as the main name on the label. Which ever way, this is a Chardonnay well worth trying.