Winemaker Notes
An assembly of each of the blocks and clones from their estate holdings within the Sta. Rita Hills, each of which raised in the exact same fashion without bias or prejudice. Barrel fermented in completely neutral cooperage (10-20 years old), with neither lees disturbance or malo-lactic.
Sta. Rita Hills regularly demonstrates citrus aromatics of lemon-lime matched with tremendous salinity reminiscent of a deconstructed margarita. Amazingly diverse food affinity as the wine serves the role of humble condiment to food in much the same way that citrus and salt do to lift, elevate and to make the food ultimately taste more like the food itself.
Vegan
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
One of the great values out there, the 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills offers thrilling notes of white flowers, white peach, currants, and toasted bread. This ripe, sexy wine is unquestionably at the same level as the more expensive single vineyard releases, and it will evolve for just as long.
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Wine Enthusiast
This appellation blend carries that aromatic hallmark of this winery's Chardonnays, with a streak of walnut oil that decorates the marmalade and toast tones. The palate is bright in acidity, giving energy to the flavors of walnut paste, dried orange peel and sun-dried honeysuckle.
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Wine Spectator
Very spicy and well-structured, with firm acidity supporting the ripe pear, apple tart and lemon meringue flavors. Concentrated dried mango accents linger on the finish, along with pastry and nutmeg notes. Best from 2020 through 2025.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills has a fresh, open nose of Golden Delicious apple, yellow pear, acacia flowers, crushed stone and white peach. Light to medium-bodied with ripe fruits and integrated acidity, it has a long, minerally finish. About 2,500 cases were produced.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.