Wine Region: California - USA
Grape: 100% Chardonnay | Farmed using organic methods
Tasting notes: "One of the finest Chardonnay examples produced in Santa Barbara County, if not California in its entirety. This has a striking, dramatic minerality that vaults from the glass and only ever gains in intensity with exposure to air. The palate is full, layered and high-toned while steering clear of either shrillness or thickness. The finish is both explosive and poised; a truly recalibrating California Chardonnay for those still skeptical of what can be achieved here." Decanter
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 Santa 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.
The wines were fermented in a combination of 500L puncheons, 350L barrels and 228L barriques, resulting in about 25% new oak on the wine. After just under a year in barrel, the wines and all the lees were moved to tank for an additional six months of cellaring. Fermented using all native yeasts. Aging: 18 months total with 11 months in French, oak barrels (25% new) and 7 months in tank.
Expert rating: Decanter 97/100
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.
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