Donnachadh Family Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Sta Rita Hills, USA 2021
Family owned and organically farmed, Donnachadh Vineyard is located on Santa Rosa Road in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County. The property is 285 acres with approximately 40 acres under vine. We grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and a little bit of Gamay Noir.
We strive to make wines that express the beauty of this amazing place. We are inspired by the wines of Burgundy and the Northern Rhone, but want to make wines that recognize the uniqueness of this site. The cool climate and ocean breeze allow the grapes to ripen more slowly, developing rich, complex flavors while still retaining a bright natural acidity. There is a noticeable salinity, too, that further reminds one of the maritime environment that the wines come from. Finally, the varied terrain and soils, from the steep, rocky upper hillside to the gently rolling riverside blocks allow us to develop a lot of complexity and contrast within a relatively small area.
2021 Estate Chardonnay comes from a mix of our hillside and riverside blocks. Clone 4 Chardonnay from the cold and rocky Block 1 at the very top of our hillside vineyard from the racy, mineral core of the blend. Clones 548, 76 and Wente from the riverside blocks flesh out the body of the wine. Struck flint, pear, white flowers and Meyer lemon on the nose. Medium bodied, with a mouthful of concentrated citrus and refreshing acidity, with a clean, mineral finish and touch of sea salt. Properly stored this wine will continue to improve for several years. When drinking now, give it a little extra time in the glass to open up and watch how it changes over time.
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