Lucia Vineyards Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2018
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A blend of 100% estate fruit, the 2018 Lucia Chardonnay is sourced from select barrels of the Pisoni and Soberanes vineyards. Combining distinctive characteristics from different vineyard sites, two characters become one as this youthful greenish-gold wine fills the glass. The higher elevations of Pisoni Vineyards add rich notes of baked apple, Bosc pear, and lemon curd, while the rocky, unyielding soil of the Soberanes Vineyard showcases signature notes of citrus blossom and wet stone. On the palate, complexity reigns as depth and nuance of flavor mingle seamlessly with bright, age-worthy acidity and a persistent, structured finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
There are two Chardonnay under this label, both terrific. The 2018 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands boasts a medium gold color as well as Burgundian notes of mulled stone fruits, toasted bread, spice, and subtle oak. It’s rich, medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, and just a classic Chardonnay that does everything right. I’d drink it over the coming 4-5 years, yet I’m sure it will keep longer.
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Wine Spectator
Richly spiced, with flan accents to the apple pastry and pear tart flavors, backed by crunchy acidity. Creamy midpalate, leading to a finish that lingers with dried savory notes. Drink now through 2025.
Other Vintages
2020-
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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.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.