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 has rich, fully-ripe flavors. The Reserve Chardonnay is 100% barrel aged and perfectly represents the best that Sta. Rita Hills has to offer.
'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').
Winemaker 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.
Tasting Notes: The 2018 Reserve Chardonnay gleams golden hay, with aromas of baked apple, warm pineapple, and restrained oak. Delicate orange peel, pineapple, and vanilla coat the tongue in layers of flavor. This wine retains its acidity, while finishing smooth. Drink with creamy risotto, flaky white fish, or fried chicken.
2018 Reserve Chardonnay - Sta. Rita Hills
VINEYARDS
62% Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay
38% Hilltop Ranch Chardonnay
AVA: Sta. Rita Hills
HARVEST
September 13 - October 5, 2017
Sugar: 22.7 - 24.3 BrixBOTTLING
September 5 - 6, 2018
WINEAlcohol: 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 casesWe kindly request a 3 bottle minimum order.
Shipping Fee: $12.00 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.