2013 Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.9% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.598, $60. Released October 2015. Four clones, primarily Wente clone with additional Dijon clones. Untoasted 21-hectoliter foudre and some 600-liter demi-muids were used in fermenting the earlier-picked Dijon clones. After whole cluster pressing, the juice was racked to both French oak barrels and a stainless steel fermenter, then inoculated for both primary and malolactic fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color and very slight haze in the glass. High class aromas of flint, steel shavings, lemon and butter. Sleek and refreshing, with a delicious infusion of peach, pear, lemon and grapefruit flavors brought to vivid expression with acidic verve. There is only a slight imprint of oak, and the polished demeanor is sublime. Score: 94. Reviewed June 19, 2016

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