Winemaker Notes
Vibrant green-gold in color, vivid and pure aromatics of lemon verbena, ripe plantain and golden pineapple spring from the glass. On the palate, white floral notes of honeysuckle, freesia and citrus blossom linger alongside weightier impressions of fresh mint, rock salt, macadamia nut oil and stone fruits. The mouthfeel is clean and focused, with a lively streak of acidity that anchors the wine’s generous and vivacious finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 100% stainless steel-fermented 2018 Chardonnay Estate Inox has a fresh nose with aromas of Bosc pear, Golden Delicious apple, quince, white peach and a touch of baker's yeast plus notes of kiwi and white blossom—oodles of pure, fresh fruit. The palate is light to medium-bodied and fruity, anchored by a streak of minerality and tangy acidity and finishing fresh. 464 cases produced.
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Wine Enthusiast
Nearly effervescent in the glass, this superfresh bottling sizzles on the nose with lime-pith, lemongrass, apple-blossom and pear-flesh flavors. The palate is reminiscent of a sparkling wine without the bubbles, showing limerind and chalk flavors as well as a grippy texture.
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.