2022 Pius Tolosa Vineyard Chardonnay Edna Valley

Pius is a young estate dedicated to small production, terroir-driven wines from the finest of Paso Robles locations. The estate is the brainchild of Anthony Versochi, one of the top winemakers at Daou, under Danny Daou himself.

Anthony grew up in San Diego and despite coming from a wine and agricultural background was posied for a life in Economics before sensibly heading sideways to the vines. In 2018 he decided to start his own label, and Pius was the result. his first vintage immediately received immense critical acclaim.

In 2022, they were fortunate to work with an exceptional site just nine miles from the coast that produced this extraordinary expression of one of their favourite varietals, Chardonnay. The marine influence from the Pacific coast helps keep the nights cool and offers a nice reprieve from the California sunshine that allows the ripeness we love so dearly. This balance allowed them to craft a white wine with both power and grace, exuberance and refinement, and most of all, approachability but with tension.

Fermenting in barrel provides a unique textural experience that is creamy and lush that is coupled with an exuberant bouquet of ripe pineapple, bosc pear and crème brûlée. The wine ends with a clean, persistent and lingering finish driven by natural acidity.