In 2019, we crafted the appellation blend, Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay from wines of three terrific vineyards, all of which are farmed organically. Thus, this wine is a blend of 33.3% each from Rita’s Crown (Clone 76), Donnachadh (Clone 4), and Spear (Wente). The cool 2019 vintage saw extended hang time for Chardonnay as well as the other grapes, with pick dates in mid to late September. The wine was fermented and aged on its lees in French oak barriques (20% new), with partial malolactic fermentation occurring spontaneously in barrel. The resulting wine is aged for 16 months on its lees without stirring, before selection, blending and bottling. This is a decidedly cooler climate Chardonnay, with terrific acids and minerality which lifts the ripe tropical fruit flavors, giving a very long finish.
We love the complexity and energy of this wine, which represents a fascinating cross section of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Extremely limited. Only 225 cases produced.