Winemaker Notes
From the quickly becoming famous plantings to the western end of Santa Rosa Road, Racines is lucky to work with two parcels of Chardonnay from the Bentrock vineyard. Both north facing, the first sits atop the vineyard looking out over the Sta. Rita Hills on very rocky soils, in an extremely exposed and windy perch. The second, a little lower and with more soil, sits just to the east and is protected by the hilltop the other piece sits on.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard leads with the quintessential citrus peel and saline, chalky aromas that define this site. The palate is bright and focused, leaning confidently toward the mineral side of the ledger while maintaining Racines's slightly soft, polished style. The finish avoids austerity and manages impressive high-toned persistence, while it's chalky framing continuously gains intensity. Rating: 94+
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Vinous
The 2021 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard is another stellar wine in this range from Racines. Deep mineral veins drive through a core of citrus fruit in this exquisite, vibrant Chardonnay. Citrus peel, white flowers and graphite linger.
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Wine Spectator
Dense and concentrated, showing notes of grilled Meyer lemon, pineapple, apple and yuzu at the core. Offers mouthwatering acidity, with a touch of crushed rock minerality, plus a tarragon detail. Drink now. 324 cases made.
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.