Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2023
Vintage Notes
A wet winter with 150% of average rainfall preceded an extended, cooler spring. As a result, bud break was delayed and vineyards were tracking about 4 weeks behind a normal year, which stayed that way through a moderate summer with temperatures staying in the 70’s and 80’s. Harvest began in early October, almost a month later than 2022 and the long, mild growing season enabled grapes to develop deep, complex flavors with exceptional balance.
Winegrowing
At the very western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley, the vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills benefit from the Pacific Ocean's cooling influences, less than twenty miles away to the west, south and southeast. Several coastal valleys, formed by the presence of the Purisima Hills to their north and the Santa Rosa Hills to their south, funnel the cool Pacific breezes through the vineyards. The soils in the Sta. Rita Hills are primarily sandy loams, silt loams and clay loams with numerous marine deposits. Grapes for this wine came primarily from Rancho Santa Rosa vineyard planted to Dijon Clone 96 located between Buellton and Lompoc on Highway 246.
Wine Profile
Visual: Brilliant, vibrant yellow with subtle green reflections.
Nose: Fresh and youthful, offering notes of pear, melon, and papaya, layered with hints of white flowers, brioche, and a touch of minerality.
Palate: Medium-bodied, featuring flavors of Gala apple and honeydew melon, supported by lively acidity and nuanced undertones of chalk, oats, and dried lemon.