Winemaker Notes
Still relatively closed on the nose, subtle aromas of warm milk bubbling on the stove, quince, Asian pear, river rock, fresh nutmeg and pasta water. Tingly on the front, with flavors of lemon cream, key limes and lemongrass. A lot of spiciness reminiscent of ginger snap cookies. Rich on the mouthfeel but leaves you salivating from the acidity. Finishes with subtle hints of marzipan and baked apple.
This wine saw a little over 15 months in barrel (25% new French / the remainder neutral oak) and while she's tasting amazing, she's in early adulthood to be sure. We suggest waiting until May or later to open and if cracking a bottle before then, decant and/or drink over 2-4 days for a more accurate experience. This wine is built to last!!
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Chardonnay Four leaps from the glass with vibrant grapefruit and green mango notes plus wafts of honeysuckle, lightly browned toast and marzipan. The medium-bodied palate displays a lovely, satiny texture with great energy and plenty of citrus fruit vivacity, finishing on a mineral note.
Rating: 93+
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.