Winemaker Notes
Planted in 1997 by Richard Sanford this site is situated next door, and west, of the famed Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. The vineyard’s well-drained soils are made up of shaley, clay loam from a decomposition of Monterey Shale. The addition of a heavy Pacific fog influence makes this site ideal for cool climate varietals.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Chardonnay La Rinconada Vineyard blossoms dramatically as it spends time in the glass, opening with saline and crème fraîche before blossoming to apricot, roasted almonds and honey. The medium-bodied palate combines expansive, honeyed flavors with a vibrant spine of acidity and a singular, chalky texture. It has complex flinty undertones and a long, nutty finish.Rating:95+
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2021 Tyler La Rinconada Vineyard Chardonnay is packed, lively, and well-balanced. TASTING NOTES: This wine excels with aromas and flavors of savory and aromatic spices, tart apples, and dried leaves. Serve it with pan-fried, panko-coated butterfish. (Tasted: May 11, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
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.