Donnachadh 2019 Chardonnay “Estate” Santa Rita Hills 95 Points

Winery Notes: “The core of the Estate Chardonnay comes from the highest part of our vineyard, Block 1. This block has shallow, rocky soil and is exposed to powerful ocean winds, yielding grapes that are slow to ripen, concentrated, and focused. The acid and minerality from this block provide the backbone of the wine. Wente clones and clone 76 grapes from our riverside blocks round out the wine. Mineral-driven, delicate and crystalline. Lemon zest, brioche, and struck flint on the nose. Mouthwatering acidity with oyster-shell minerality on the palate of Meyer lemon and pear with a drop of candied lemon and sea salt on the finish. The Estate Chardonnay really captures in the glass the tension we see between cool air and warm sun. Whole cluster pressed, fermented in barrel, with 20% new French oak, and bottled after 11 months in barrel, and a further 5 months in stainless steel on the lees”

WS 95 Points: “Enticing aromas of buttercream, cake batter, and macadamia nut are clean and light on the nose of this bottling. The palate grabs hold with a tart orange-rind note, then opens toward white-peach and grapefruit juice flavors. There’s just the slightest hint of nutty opulence.”

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