Chardonnay
2021, Santa Barbara , Sta. Rita Hills, USA
Profile & Story
Our inaugural vintage at the estate offered us the unique opportunity to delve into the distinctive characteristics of each vineyard block. We meticulously hand-picked, sorted, and fermented each sub-block in small, open-top tanks. This approach provided valuable insights into the specific attributes of the soils and clone selections on the property. It was a year dedicated to laying the groundwork for the vineyard’s renaissance, adopting a no-compromise philosophy to cultivate the most expressive, authentic wines from our estate. The Chardonnay was harvested at peak ripeness and underwent whole-cluster pressing before fermenting in barrels with native yeast. Full malolactic fermentation was completed in the barrel, and the wine was bottled unfiltered the following year, preserving its purity and character.
Tasting Notes
Chardonnay vines of our prized block yield a transparent and luminous crystalline texture, showcasing the sandy terroir of the 10 Ninths estate. Brilliant, pale color is suggestive of the freshness on the palate, with energy that builds in a long evolution with a mineral finish. Honeysuckle, French broom and quince present an understated but engaging aromatic dimension to this Chardonnay.