2016 Sea Smoke Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.9% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.63, $65. Released October 2018. Whole cluster pressed into a steel tank and cold settled. Then racked to a stainless steel fermenter and inoculated for primary fermentation. Finally, racked to French oak barrels, 26% new, and aged 16 months with periodic lees stirring. Bottled without fining or filtration. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose offers a cornucopia of aromas including apple, citrus, pastry cream, crushed shells and a hint of flint. Richly composed, offering flavors of grilled lemon, pineapple, and toasty oak. Opulent and mouth-filling, with good alcohol integration. The texture is particularly appealing with a sleekness rather than creaminess. Spirited acidity typical of the Sta. Rita Hills infuses vigor into the luscious citrus core. Score: 93. Reviewed January 17, 2019

Winery: Sea Smoke Cellars
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay