2014 Sea Smoke Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.50, $60. Released October 2016. Whole cluster pressed before gently pumped into stainless steel tank and cold settled. Racked to French oak barrels, 55% new, and a stainless steel fermenter, then inoculated for primary fermentation. Subsequently, the wine was inoculated for malolactic fermentation and lees were periodically stirred. Aged for 16 months before bottling. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Enticing aromas of lemon wafer, yellow apple, spice, white chocolate and crushed sea shells. Polished in the mouth with a sophisticated bearing, offering tastes of lemon creme, apple and vanillin and a pervasive thread of minerality in the background. Well-integrated acidity with adroit oak management. Score: 93. Reviewed April 19, 2017

Winery: Sea Smoke Cellars
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Chardonnay