Racines - 'Sta Rita Hills Cuvee' Chardonnay White 2020

Wine Region: California - USA

Grape: 100% Chardonnay | Farmed using organic methods

Tasting notes:Fragrant and ethereal, the Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay has aromas of grapefruit, peach and subtle spice. The palate is chiselled with nervy acidity and mineral-laced fruit, tempered by a long and textured finish.

Expert rating:Decanter: 93 points

“A wonderfully complex wine with ample texture. The Sta Rita Hills Cuvée is sourced from some of Santa Barbara's top Chardonnay sites. The wine sees very little new oak and, as a result, shines forth with delicate brilliance—classically cool climate Chardonnay aromatics of soft white florals, crushed chalk and a touch of mint. The palate has verve and energy with savoury petrichor-driven minerality coming to the fore, followed on by bruised apples, a touch of cardamom and honey to finish adding depth and complexity along the way. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2030” – Clive Pursehouse

Wine Spectator: 92 points

“Lemon sherbet, orange zest and lime flavors, plus a touch of Honeycrisp apple, all show good intensity, with mouthwatering acidity and pretty grace notes of lemon oregano and fennel pollen on the finish. Drink now.” – MaryAnne Worobeic

About the winery:Racines is a collaboration between two classic houses from France, led by vignerons Étienne de Montille and Brian Sieve of Burgundy and Rodolphe Péters of Champagne (Champagne Pierre Peters). The team came together to join their individual experiences in hand-crafting wines of purity and transparency to create a range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the cool climate of the Sta. Rita Hills in California.

The project is the first venture for Étienne and Rodolphe beyond France and represents the coming together of all that is wonderful about Burgundy, Champagne and California. Production methods are firmly rooted in the traditions of France with all native yeast fermentations, extended elevage, use of whole cluster for Pinot Noir and wines that have ample amounts of fresh acidity and the ability to age

These wines confirm something many have long suspected: that if you are looking to make terroir driven, elegant, balanced wines in the new world, then Sta. Rita Hills is the place.

More about Racines here...