Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2019
Grapes for the Sanford Chardonnay come exclusively from the two iconic estate vineyards in the cool-climate area of Sta. Rita Hills AVA: the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and the La Rinconada Vineyard. The 100% estate fruit was hand-harvested, carefully selected and then gently de-stemmed. Each block was vinified separately, to reflect the personality of the vineyard. The grapes were whole bunch pressed into French oak where the juice underwent barrel fermentation. The wine spent eight and a half months maturing in 225 litre French oak barrels, of which 20% was new. This is a luxurious and elegant Chardonnay with enticing notes of grilled peach, lemon and toasted hazelnuts. The palate of bright fruit and honeycomb is beautifully framed by crisp acidity and has a rich texture that carries through to the long, clean finish.
