2022 10 Ninths "Estate" Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

Warm-flint and nectarine-pit aromas are followed by stone-fruit flesh and a core of minerals. The ripeness of the vintage is wrangled into a structured yet well-fruited palate, a sappy, lingering character riding through the white-flower-kissed finish.

A wonderfully concentrated and flavorful, yet piercingly fresh expression of Chardonnay from this cold, very sandy site. This wine perfectly captures what many folks in the Sta. Rita Hills refer to as “refrigerated sunshine.” The region enjoys long, dry summers, but is constantly cooled by breezes off the Pacific, allowing the fruit to ripen fully while retaining vibrant acidity. The wine really shows the crystalline side of Chardonnay, with beautiful nectarine, zesty citrus, chalky minerals, and struck flint. The length on the palate is incredible, with remarkable tension and persistence. Such a delicious bottle, and one that clearly demonstrates the quality of this special site.