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.
 
Tasting Notes: The 2017 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.
 
 
Gold Medal 2019 Toast of the Coast International Wine Competition- 93 points
Gold Medal International Women's Wine Competition- 91 points
Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2020