2021 La Rinconada Chardonnay

Planted in 1997, La Rinconada sits right next to the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, which is perhaps the epicenter of the Sta. Rita Hills. The same cool, windy, fog-influenced climate conditions that make Sanford & Benedict an ideal spot for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are present here. Our Wente clone Chardonnay is grown in the lower portion of the vineyard which is a sandy loam that provides for the healthy canopy and flavorful, bright fruit at low sugars.

The winemaking for La Rinconada is very straightforward.  We handpick the fruit in the cool of night and rush it back to the winery in Santa Barbara.  The clusters are loaded whole, directly to the press and the first fraction of the juice is held separate for this cuvé to maximize the freshness and minerality. After settling overnight in the tank, the juice is moved to old French oak barrels for fermentation and nine months of aging.

The resulting Chardonnay La Rinconada is absolutely impeccable in its balance. It’s full of bright acids that perk up orchard fruit, lemon confit, and floral flavors. This pretty and supremely elegant Chardonnay shows just how finessed the Sta. Rita Hills can be.

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