Product Overview
Winery's Notes
"Whole clusters went to press gently and slowly, the juice settled briefly, then moved to barrel to find its own way. Fermentation began on native yeast alone; no inoculation, no hurry. 12 months followed in French oak barrels ranging from 228L to 600L, with roughly 10% of it new. For the final months of its 17 month élevage, the lots were blended together in stainless steel, where the wine knit and settled before bottling.
The result is a Chardonnay shaped more by site than by cellar: taut, saline, and unhurried, with oak that reads as texture rather than flavor."
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Aging: French oak for 17 months, 10% new, settled in stainless steel before blending/bottling
Production: 345 cases
(Formerly Hilliard Bruce Vineyard)
96 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Fascinating and addictive aromas of stonefruit, lemon zest, almond and airy whipped cream make an ethereal entry to the nose of this bottling. The palate's texture is pithy, the acidity is zesty and the flavors of lemon glaze, apple and delicate creme fraiche command constant attention." -MK, 2/1/26
95 Points - Vinous
"The 2023 Chardonnay Estate offers lifted florals, powerful orchard fruit and vibrant acids, all wrapped in notes of salty sea spray, oyster shell, orange oil and chalk. There's a distinct marine influence here, with a profile that is broad yet focused, intense and persistent. Great energy and transparency carry through to a long, mouthwatering finish. This is obviously a great Chardonnay site." -BN, Aug/2025
