rating B

standout cali chardonnay producing expanding into sparkling wine

about Justin Willett—whose middle name is Tyler—grew up in Santa Barbara County, but became fascinated by wine through tasting Burgundy. In the mid-2000s, he decided to start making wine himself, intent on producing lean, elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that best expressed cool but sunny coastal central California. He’s now introduced traditional method sparkling wine to the portfolio.

wines tasted

Mae Estate Blanc de Noirs 2021 ($90)

100% Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills. When I visited the winery in 2021—coincidentally the vintage for this wine—I learnt about Justin’s ambitions to make sparkling wine and had enlisted the help of Rodolphe Péters, winemaker at leading Champagne producer Pierre Péters. It’s been a long wait but I finally got to taste the first release. I have to confess it’s not quite as exciting as I was hoping, especially for the price. It’s fruity and creamy, with high lively acidity, but lacks a little bit of edge. Maybe the addition of Chardonnay would bring a kick to the wine.

website https://www.tylerwinery.com/

email gabe@tylerwinery.com

phone +1 805 225 3395

address 4805 E HWY 246, Lompoc CA 93436