2020 Racines, Wenzlau Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, California, USA

Sandy gravels because close to the Santa Ynez River.

Tighter and less expressive at this stage than the regular bottling. Really quite saline and more open on the finish. Great balance.

Drink 2023 - 2028

The 2020 Chardonnay Wenzlau Family Vineyard is one of the highlights in this range from Racines. Bright and dynamic, the 2020 is fresh, complex and also quite structured, making for a wonderfully complete wine that captures the essence of this rugged Sta. Rita Hills site. Readers should expect an intensely mineral, savoury Chardonnay. I loved it.

Drink 2022 - 2028

Sourced from Wenzlau, La Rinconada, Sanford & Benedict and Bentrock, the NV Grand Reserve Sparkling 2020 Base) was disgorged in February of 2023 with a four grams per litre dosage after spending 2.5 years on its lees. The nose is effortlessly fragrant and refined, offering citrus peel, green orchard fruit, nougat and crushed stone aromas.

The palate is elegantly chalky and succulent, exuding a mousse refinement that is difficult to find in domestic sparkling wines. It finishes with fine, chalky details and an ethereal lift, gracefully attaining its intended mission statement: a high-toned Sta. Rita Hills blanc de blancs made with Champenois intentionality and precision.

Drink 2023 - 2033

Beguiling complexity, depth and beauty mark this outstanding Chardonnay from the Wenzlau Family Vineyard in the Sta Rita Hills. In a year when so many of California's wine regions were devastated by smoke, this wine shows a fresh, airy poise—delicate and precise aromas of crushed chalk, petrichor, sweet white flower pollen and hints of seaspray. The palate is exquisite; a sophistication of flavours and textures collide. A savoury, briny minerality outlines apricot skin, early-season nectarine and subtle hints of bee pollen. The finish is fine, filigreed and fresh.

Drink 2023 - 2034