Wine Region: California - USA
Grape: 100% Chardonnay | Farmed using organic methods
Tasting notes: "Broad but precise in texture, this exudes green and yellow fruits interspersed with salted caramel and fennel. " Decanter
The Racines Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay is sourced from a blend of sites, the majority coming from La Mesa Vineyard and the Wenzlau Vineyard. La Mesa Vineyard, which sits to the very western edge of the Santa Rita Hills, is leased to Racines by Domaine de La Côte. Wenzlau Vineyard, which is part of Racines' estate holdings, sits surrounded by Rita’s Crown, Mt. Carmel, and Sea Smoke Vineyards, on a steep, dramatic hillside just above the Santa Ynez River and across from the famed Sanford & Benedict Vineyard.
The wines were fermented in a combination of 500L puncheons and 228L barriques, resulting in about 10% 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 five months of cellaring. This is a wine that they believe best represents the potential of the region as a whole. Fermented using all native yeasts. Aging: 16 months total, 11 months in French, oak barrels (15% new) and 5 months in tank.
Expert rating: Decanter 92/100
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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