Presqu'ile 2021 Chardonnay, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Santa Maria

Presqu’ile’s 2021 Chardonnay from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard opens with a bright, uncanny clarity. Yellow apple gives way to exotic coconut and creamy cherimoya, then sharpens with zesty lime and grapefruit—altogether compelling yet grounded.

What shines here is tension, not toast. The palate rides firm acidity and clean structure; the fruit remains vibrant even as flavors deepen. It’s Chardonnay that travels forward rather than hangs back—unembellished and honest.

The source matters as much as the flavor. Sanford & Benedict is a landmark site—one of the first planted here in 1973, offering own‑rooted Chardonnay with clay‑loam soils and cool marine influence that favor restraint over ripeness. Presqu’ile sources their fruit with clear intention.

Presqu’ile’s story deepens the wine’s clarity. The Murphy family named their estate after their pre-Katrina Gulf Coast retreat—“Presqu’île,” or “almost an island”—a symbol of memory, purpose, and place-based hospitality. The winery’s farming and winemaking mirror that spirit: thoughtful, respectful, and authentic.

This is Chardonnay for the table and reflection—bright enough to stand out, nuanced enough to linger. Not built for flash, but made for depth and presence.