Racines Wines 2020 Chardonnay, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

Vineyard soil type: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam. From two parcels in the quickly becoming famous planting on the western end of Santa Rosa Road. Both in north facing exposures where the first lies at the highest point in the vineyard looking out over Sta Rita Hills on very rocky soils. This is an extremely exposed and windy perch. The second plot is found at a lower elevation and possesses more topsoil, sitting just to the east and protected by the from the wind by the previously described hill.
Production & aging: Native yeast barrel fermented and aged in 350-500L puncheons for 12 months using 20% new oak with 6 in stainless steel vat before bottling.
A rich, effusive wine, the 2019 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict offers a stunning expression of this site. All the classic S&B signatures come through, kicked up with an extra touch of textural richness. Creamy and silky in the glass, the 2019 is outrageously beautiful. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and tangerine oil are some of the many notes that build in a soft, silky Chardonnay that dazzles from start to finish. Impressive.
— Antonio Galloni