The 2021 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is the perfect encapsulation of the Central Coast. This bright and expressive wine exudes fresh notes of lemon zest, brioche, and citrus blossoms. There is a pleasant balance of acidity and texture along with a long finish. As it lingers, a delicate cinnamon and apple combination will start to surface.
94 points Jeb Dunnuck / 93 points Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Vintage
2021
Variety
Chardonnay
Appellation
Santa Barbara County
Oak Regime
100% French Oak, 37% New Oak
Clone
76, 96, Wente, 4, Hyde
Vineyards
Sierra Madre Vineyard, Peake Ranch Vineyard, John Sebastiano Vineyard
Introducing the debut vintage of our John Sebastiano Vineyard Chardonnay. Lifted floral aromas of honeysuckle and chamomile are complimented by subtle undertones of almond and nutmeg. Once on the palate, you’re greeted by fresh Asian pear and generous textural weight that carries through to the end, showing light oak flavors as it lingers.
Unique and herbal aromas of lemongrass, mint, sage, pine, sap and lemon blossom are present in this wine. On the palate there are intense flavors, bold acidity, with a beautiful delicacy upfront. The mid-palate has an enjoyable grip that lingers through to the finish. The finish shows vibrant flavors throughout.
Outside of being the first and oldest of our vineyards, Sierra Madre is by far the coldest. Located on the western side of the Santa Maria AVA, it is one of the lowest elevation vineyards in the region. As such, it is blanketed by freezing coastal fog and wind all year long. The result is Chardonnay that retains racy natural acidity, a bright mineral-driven texture, and concentrated fruit that integrates flawlessly with the French oak barrels we use.
A compelling example of what can be achieved with Sta. Rita Hills Pinot noir. This wine captures the natural balance and complexity of this special appellation. The vibrant garnet color draws you in, accompanied by a bouquet of red fruits and herbal qualities. Sage, currants, and raspberry dominate the nose, while cranberry and pomegranate play a key role on the palate. The balance of tannins and bright acidity carry through from start to finish. An excellent compilation of our Sta. Rita Hills vineyards.
From a windy site on the eastern slope of the Sta. Rita Hills, we produced a Pinot noir that embodies power, structure, and concentration. With a deep magenta color, this wine has a fruit driven nose that embodies the essence of plum and strawberries complimented by intense floral qualities of jasmine and hibiscus. Long tannins provide a solid backbone for the beautifully balanced acidity. This wine shows ageable promise for those willing to cellar for a few years.
Very expressive aromas on this wine with notes of bramble fruit, lavender, cherry blossom, pine, redwood, and creamy strawberry. The palate shows cranberry flavors, with bright acidity jumping upfront. There is a slight prickly texture on the mid-palate with fresh and light bodied notes throughout the mouthfeel.
Vibrant aromas of strawberries and powdered sugar present themselves immediately in the glass with aromas of baking spice and pine to follow. The acidity is present upfront with angular tannin structure from the mid-palate to finish. An elegant, drying finish lingers.
The classic Syrah notes jump out immediately with aromas of white pepper and lavender. On the palate, the acidity is the driving factor yet is supported with mid-palate lengthy and linear tannins. The fruit expressively beautifully on the palate with flavors of raspberry compote.
The 2020 Peake Ranch Vineyard Syrah is a spectacular expression of Syrah grown in the cool Sta. Rita Hills. This wine is a beautiful, deep magenta color, and expresses aromas of wild blackberries, redwood, and chocolate. Acidity is paired well with silky tannins throughout the palate. The finale of the wine is a finish that is persistent and satisfying.