2021 Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

Lovely texture and density, showing dried apple, fresh ginger and pastry dough. Layered, with phenolic tension.

A fantastic example of how cool-climate California Chardonnay can compete with top-notch white Burgundy. If anyone still harbors the out dated notion that California Chardonnay is defined by big, rich, oaky-buttery wines, this should put the final nail in the coffin once and for all. Few producers have been more prominent in the "in pursuit of balance" and "new California" wine movements than Somm turned winemaker Raj Parr and his business partner Sashi Moorman. This exquisite Sta. Rita Hills bottling exemplifies their endeavor to produce, bright, racy, focused, mineral driven wines with vibrant flavors and a real sense of place. Coming mostly from their own Domaine de la Cote estate vineyards in the coldest and windiest part of the western Sta. Rita Hills, this wine is racy and energized showing struck flint, subtle matchstick, preserved lemon, bakers yeast, raw hazel nut, river stone, chalk. Incredible tension and drive on the palate with a finish that goes on and on for minutes. Give the wine plenty of time in the glass or even decant it to get the full array of flavors. A spectacular example of modern California Chardonnay that over-delivers in everyway possible especially at our razor sharp, Insider's Advantage pricing! I believe this wine will also drink very well for at least 10 years...perhaps longer. Incredible.