Current Release
2018 Chardonnay, Rita's Crown Vineyard 750ML
Rita’s Crown is a spectacular vineyard at some of the highest elevations in the Santa Rita Hills. Located right above the historic Mount Carmel monastery, our south west facing blocks are steep and cobbled with large amounts of diatomaceous earth. The winds are constant and strong, with a feeling of saltiness from the nearby ocean and a decided marine chill. The Chardonnay in this block typically sets 2-2.5 tons per acre from a relatively small canopy (In 2018 it was closer to 1.5 TPA). These low yields and long cool season result in ripeness at incredibly strong acid levels. We think this is a hallmark of great sites. The wines are dramatic and expressive, with a tremendously long finish.
The 2018 wine fermented in French oak barrels, 30% new. The resulting wine went through partial malolactic fermentation in barrel and was then aged for 18 months on its lees, without stirring, before selection, blending and bottling. Extremely Limited: Only 220 Cases Produced, most of which will go to the Wine Club.
Jeb Dunnuck gushed over this wine, giving it 94 points and stating:
“From a great vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, the 2018 Chardonnay Rita's Crown Vineyard just jumps from the glass with exotic notes of spiced citrus, nectarines, flowers, and honeysuckle-like aromas and flavors. It's a rich, beautifully textured, elegant yet concentrated Chardonnay with loads to love. It shows more salinity and minerality with time in the glass and I suspect will evolve for a solid 7-8 years.”
The 2018 wine fermented in French oak barrels, 30% new. The resulting wine went through partial malolactic fermentation in barrel and was then aged for 18 months on its lees, without stirring, before selection, blending and bottling. Extremely Limited: Only 220 Cases Produced, most of which will go to the Wine Club.
Jeb Dunnuck gushed over this wine, giving it 94 points and stating:
“From a great vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, the 2018 Chardonnay Rita's Crown Vineyard just jumps from the glass with exotic notes of spiced citrus, nectarines, flowers, and honeysuckle-like aromas and flavors. It's a rich, beautifully textured, elegant yet concentrated Chardonnay with loads to love. It shows more salinity and minerality with time in the glass and I suspect will evolve for a solid 7-8 years.”
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Size | 750 ml |