WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.
2018 Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY | SANTA RITA HILLS
This Chardonnay was grown on one of the coolest sites in the Santa Rita Hills, showing a focused and balanced expression of the varietal. Scents of lemon curd and chamomile lead to a linear palate of crushed stone, ripe apple and juicy acidity. Aged predominately in used French oak, malolactic fermentation contributes a mid-weight texture and lasting finish.
Reviews
Vinous 90 Points ~ The 2018 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) offers terrific immediacy. Soft contours, tropical overtones and a touch of new French oak give the 2018 a decidedly open-knit feel, but all the elements are so nicely balanced that the wine remains understated. Drinking window 2020-2025. — Antonio Galloni
2017 Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points ~ The 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills comes from the John Sebastiano Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and offers a toasty, nutty style in its peach and nectarine fruits as well as notes of toasted bread and green almonds. Rich, medium to full-bodied, with great acidity, it's beautifully done and has a slightly Burgundian-like vibe that I love. — Jeb Dunnuck
Wine Advocate 90 Points ~ The 2017 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County opens with aromas of popcorn and toast, with notions of cream, butter, baked apple and stone fruits. Medium to full-bodied, it's rounded and creamy with plenty of buttery fruit, just enough freshness and a long finish. Drink date 2019-2025. — Erin Brooks
2016 Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
Vinous 91 points ~ The 2016 Chardonnay is lifted, translucent and super-expressive, with attractive citrus and floral-laced character. Medium in body and nuanced, the 2016 is exceptionally beautiful, not to mention hugely enjoyable. Drink 2018-2023. — Antonio Galloni
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points ~ Sourced from the Rancho Esperanza vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, the 2016 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills spent 10 months in mostly neutral barrels. It has a classic Burgundian reductive character as well as lovely white peach, white flowers, and honeyed mineral aromatics, medium body, vibrant acidity, and a chiseled, elegant style on the palate. This is classic old school Chardonnay with one foot in Burgundy and one foot in California. Drink it over the coming 5-6 years. — Jeb Dunnuck