The Sta. Rita Hills of the western Santa Ynez Valley is an area where local geography influences the climate to create conditions extremely well suited for growing world class Chardonnay.

We give this wine a "reserve" designation because these grapes are harvested from distinct soil types and Chardonnay clones that yield the greatest flavor concentration and fruit intensity.

The resulting wine is full-bodied and richly textured with complexity of flavor further enhanced by barrel fermentation.

'Sur lie' lets the fermented wine 'sit' over the sediment created by fermentation. The barrels are stirred frequently to better absorb the flavors of the 'lie' (pronounced 'lee').

The resulting wine has aromatic and flavor intensity complementing the rich character of this Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay.

Winemaker's Comments: This wine is selected from the best barrels of the five Chardonnay clones we grow at our Lafond Vineyard.  In addition, we chose fruit from the lowest vigor blocks from our neighbor's vineyard, Hilltop Ranch. Hilltop Ranch was planted in the late 1970's and is one of the oldest Chardonnay blocks in the Santa Rita Hills AVA.
 
Gold Medal 2019 Toast of the Coast International Wine Competition- 93 points
Gold Medal International Women's Wine Competition- 91 points

2017 Reserve Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

SKU: 11117
$26.00Price
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  • VINEYARDS

    62% Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay

    38% Hilltop Ranch Chardonnay

    AVA: Sta. Rita Hills

     

    HARVEST
    September 13 - October 5, 2017
    Sugar: 22.7 - 24.3 Brix

     

    BOTTLING

    September 5 - 6, 2018

    WINE

    Alcohol: 14.4%

    Total Acid: .71

    pH: 3.27

    Dry

     

    Barrels:
    100% Barrel fermented
    20-60 gal. barrels
    26-130 gal. puncheons
    18% new oak

    Fermentation:
    100% Barrel fermented
    100% Malolactic
    Aged 'sur lie' 10 months
    with regular 'batonnage'

    Production: 1,890 cases

  • We kindly request a 3 bottle minimum order.

     

    Shipping Fee: $9.50 Flat Rate, Fed Ex Ground

    All wine shipments must be ordered and signed for by someone 21 years or older. We recommend using a workplace address to ensure timely delivery. 

    Please Note: During warm weather months, we monitor the temperatures in your area to ensure that the wine is not subject to high temperatures during transit that may damage the wine. If temperatures rise beyond a set threshold, a weather hold may be placed on your order until the weather cools down. 

    Expedited shipping is available on request within reason. Please call the winery for all special requests regarding shipping. 


    Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding your order.