Sean Minor 2022 Chardonnay, Central Coast

Sean Minor’s 2022 Chardonnay from the Central Coast arrives with earnest clarity—not flashy, just well-made. On the nose: green apple, pear, and a whisper of grilled pineapple, edged with citrus blossom and warmed by vanilla‑cream scone. It’s immediately appealing, but there’s more beneath the surface. 

That richness travels through the palate, where tropical guava and pear keep things generous, while bright acidity and a subtle mineral thread prevent it from tipping into dull comfort. The texture is medium-bodied and pleasantly tactile—there’s just enough weight to feel satisfying without losing freshness. 

This Chardonnay’s transparency comes from how it’s made. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, with a mix of stainless steel and small French oak aging, plus partial malolactic conversion and sur lie stirring. The result feels thoughtful: gently shaped, never sculpted. 

What stays with you is its purpose: not to assert, but to accompany. It fits a chilled glass mid-afternoon on the porch, or fills the table when someone pulls out the roast chicken. It’s accessible enough to sip solo, yet built with layers that reveal themselves over conversation.

This isn’t Chardonnay chasing grandeur—it’s a steady voice saying “I’m ready.”