Product Overview
Vineyard Notes
"An optimal growing site for Chardonnay and other varieties, Zotovich Vineyard is comprised of 35 acres in the northern part of the Sta. Rita Hills between Buellton and Lompoc. The vineyard is made up of mostly diatomaceous earth and sandy loam soils that create intense, mineral-driven wines."
Winemaker's Notes
"The 2022 Chardonnay - Zotovich Vineyard stands out with vibrant tangerine and kaffir lime leaf notes on the nose. This wine saw a light foot treading and 2 hours of skin contact before pressing, intentionally expanding the textural qualities of the wine. This Chardonnay offers a fresh baked almond croissant aroma and an expansive mouthfeel. The acidity shines through on the finish, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors."
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Clones: 4, 76
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Vineyard Designation: Zotovich Vineyards
Aging: 16 months in French oak, 100% neutral
Production: 250 cases
Winemaker: Matt Brady
93 Points - Wine Advocate
"I found the 2022 Chardonnay Zotovich Vineyard to be the highlight of Samsara's Chardonnay roster. Half the grapes were foot-trodden before pressing, contributing a subtle phenolic grip throughout the wine that provides welcome tension and mid-palate assertion for this sandy vineyard site. Aromas of orange oil and Asian pear introduce the lively, clean palate, which straddles focus and weight before concluding with a pleasantly grippy, saline and energetic finish." -ML, 10/10/24
93 points - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2022 Chardonnay Zotovich Vineyard is also exotic, with orange blossom, ripe citrus, spice, and sappy herb notes in a medium-bodied, racy, focused style on the palate. It's going to evolve nicely for 7-8 years or more. There are a tiny 250 cases, but it’s a beauty. - JD
92 Points - Vinous
"The 2022 Chardonnay Zotovich Vineyard is a focused, tightly wound wine. Lemon peel, crushed rocks, mint, white pepper and slate are finely delineated in this sculpted, intensely saline Chardonnay." -AG, Jul/2024
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Rounded aromas of toasted hazelnut, baked tangerine and fresh citrus peel draw the nose into this bottling. The palate is fresh with vibrant lines of lemon and grapefruit that lead into richer tones of baked apple and butter that ride a lingering acidity into the finish." -MK, 12/1/24
