2012 small + tall Clos Pepe Vineyard “Liquid Joy” Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

$30. Dijon 76 and Wente clones. Pressed to neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel barrels and cool fermented with native yeast. Aged 16 months on the lees. Oak and stainless steel lots blended before bottling. Whole cluster pressed to barrel, native and proprietary yeast fermentation (50/50), 100% malolactic fermentation, aged sur lie for 17 months in French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 13.5% alc., $. · Light golden yellow color in the glass with a slight haze. The aromatic profile was unusual and hard to describe but included aromas of lemongrass and nutty granola. Flavors of lemon cake, apple, marzipan and toast are framed by a vibrant acidity. An unpretentious, every day style. Score: 87. Reviewed November 22, 2015

Winery: small + tall
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay