The estate wines are defined by the fruit and flavors of our little southwestern corner of the Sta. Rita Hills. They speak of the nuances and complexities of our property as a whole. These wines take into account the many aspects, clones, soil types, and other properties of our estate. They give us the maximum amount of blending components and, represent the most complete wines in our portfolio.
Matt Dees, Winemaker Notes:
Even with cards held tight, it displays white peach, lemon zest, white flowers and loquats. Hints of white truffle, lavender and fresh herbed chevre. With air, new aromatics: fresh baked croissant, almond flour and kumquat. Pure, compact and driving; tense and full of kinetic energy. Showing the seemingly endless sunlight and perfect growing conditions of 2018. Lifted and framed by classic Hilt sea salt and electricity on the finish along with touch of structure that is reminiscent today of an Asian pear.
Estate Chardonnay
CASES: 2,080
APPELLATION: Sta. Rita Hills
CLONAL SELECTION: 76, 95 and S+B
ALCOHOL: 13.0%
BARRELS: 34% New French oak, 56% neutral Franch oak, 10% stainless steel for 11 months
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com Aug. 2020
Starting with the appellation 2018 Chardonnay Estate, this wine has a vivid gold hue as well as classy notes of sliced apple, nectarines, and honeyed flowers, with just a hint of salinity and minerality. It's elegant, beautifully balanced, and has a great finish, all while staying in the more vibrant, fresh style of this estate.