Wine Region: California - USA
Grape: 100% Chardonnay | Farmed using organic methods
Tasting notes: Plenty of depth, texture and nuance. Bright, savory and intensely mineral.
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.
Expert Rating: Vinous 96/100
'A rich, effusive wine, the 2019 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict offers a stunning expression of this site. All the classic S&B signatures come through, kicked up with an extra touch of textural richness. Creamy and silky in the glass, the 2019 is outrageously beautiful. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and tangerine oil are some of the many notes that build in a soft, silky Chardonnay that dazzles from start to finish. Impressive. Drink 2023 - 2031'
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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