Sanford La Rinconada Chardonnay

THE STORY
We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the planting of La Rinconada Vineyard, a world-class site acclaimed for producing distinctive Chardonnay. The sandy loam soil, derived from deposits of the Santa Ynez River, provides everything needed to grow balanced vines with exceptional fruit. A blend of three of our favorite blocks, this Chardonnay is a signature of the property.
PROFILE & WINEMAKING
Bright golden, this full-bodied Chardonnay has great purity and focus on the nose and palate. Lemon curd and brioche greet the nose, while the bright palate offers pineapple and stone fruits, with hints of toasted hazelnuts. The acidity and minerality nicely frame the fruit, and carry the wine to its lovely, long finish. Traditional Burgundian winemaking, including whole cluster pressing and barrel fermentation in the finest French barrels was employed to showcase this world class site. This classic, cool climate Chardonnay can pair with a wide range of cuisines from shellfish to pasta with cream sauces.
93 Points: “From sandy loam soils, the 2015 Chardonnay La Rinconada offers a much richer, full-bodied, flamboyant style. White flowers, sautéed lemons, brioche, and some spicy notes all flow to a ripe, rounded, beautifully textured Chardonnay that has the classic 2016 rounded, supple character. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years.” - Jeb Dunnuck