Racines - Sta Rita Hills - 'Sanford and Benedict Vineyard' Chardonnay 2020

Grape

100% Chardonnay 

Tasting notes

The Racines Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 is described as having a bright, savory, and intensely mineral character with plenty of depth, texture, and nuance. It features aromas of green apple, pear, and citrus, with flavors of white peach, apricot, and hints of vanilla on the palate. The wine is also noted for its nervy acidity and a long, textured finish. 

From the famous Sanford & Benedict Vineyard with the Racine portion coming from the historic parcel of original plantings dating back to 1971. These chardonnay vines are the oldest vines in the Sta. Rita Hills and situated on a gently north facing slope with thin soils consisting of lots of shale and chert.

The wines were fermented in a combination of 500L puncheons, 350L barrels and 228L barriques, resulting in about 30% new wood on the wine. After a little under a year in barrel, the wines and all the lees were moved to tank for an additional seven months of cellaring. Fermented using all native yeasts. Aging: 18 months total with 11 months in French, oak barrels (30% new) and 7 months in tank.

More 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...