2018 Racines Santa Rita Hills Cuvée Chardonnay

Pairs with: Tuna crudo

Good for: A pleasant seaside evening

Grapes: Chardonnay

I am from: Santa Rita Hills, California

The Story: Among the many great Burgundy winemakers who have landed on the West Coast, the most exciting of all might be the most recent arrival, Etienne de Montille. His wines are sought after by all those who love burgundy, especially fellow winemakers.

When Etienne decided to make wine out west, he took a road trip with his Chef du Cave, Brian Sieve. Focusing their efforts on the cool climate sites, they started in the Willamette Valley, worked their way down the Sonoma Coast through the Santa Cruz Mountains and ended their journey in Santa Barbara. Of all the sites they explored, soil and climatic conditions they witnessed and wines they tasted, it was the Santa Rita Hills north of Santa Barbara where they saw the most potential. 

Why You'll Love Me: Bright, airy and wonderfully perfumed. Ethereal and gracious, it lifts out of the glass with a striking aromatic presence to match its chiseled, mid-weight personality. This is one of the more nervy, taut Chardonnays one may come across in  2018, yet there is lovely breadth that emerges with a bit of time in the glass. Hints of lemon confit, white flower and marzipan linger nicely on the finish.