Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2015
Trade Tools
America / Sta. Rita Hills
The grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed and transferred to tank following harvest. After a day of cold-settling, the juice was inoculated and racked to 30% new French and American oak barrels. It then underwent regular stirring of the lees for added texture and complexity. All lots were kept separate throughout vinification and aging to ensure character, distinctiveness and quality. After 18 months in barrel under cool cellar conditions, the wine was bottled.
90 Points
Wine Spectator
2015 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2015 vintage was early and light yielding fruit with exceptional flavor concentration. The vines experienced no hard dormancy and above average temperatures in February resulting in an early bud break, flowering and fruit set. The drought caused the vines to struggle and produce smaller berry size and overall cluster size which resulted in high quality wines that are rich, complex and intense in character. Harvest occurred from August 19 - October 1, 2015.
Tasting Note
This 2015 Rancho Santa Rosa Chardonnay opens with warm aromatics of toasted vanilla wafer, vanilla bean and a touch of minerality. The palate is delightfully balanced with notes of pineapple, mango, almond and toasted oak. The full-bodied mouthfeel and impressive balance make it an excellent pairing with a creamy fettuccini with grilled chicken and fresh herbs.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Sta. Rita Hills
PH: 3.2
ACIDITY: 7.1 g/L
ABV: 14.1%
AGING: 18 months in 30% new French and American oak; Boutes and World Cooperage
Unique Selling Points
- A rich Chardonnay with 17 months of oak aging and wonderful buttery qualities typical of the region.
- Grown on south-facing hillside that climb from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level and provide consistently cool, ocean-swept breezes – perfect for Chardonnay.
“The combination of climate and soil diversity found in the Sta. Rita Hills offer some of the best grape growing conditions I’ve ever seen.”
Dave Frazier, Winemaker
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
