When Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict planted their eponymous vineyard in ’71 people thought they’d never be able to ripen their grapes. The naysayers were proved wrong, the fossil rich soils and Pacific breezes of the Sta Rita Hills are renowned for elegant Pinot and Chardonnay like this linear Chablis-style Chardonnay with savoury lemon peel finish.
California
Sta Rita Hills
Chardonnay:
Maritime
Well drained clay and limestone
Uncertified-organic
140 metres
Old oak
14-20 months on lees in old oak