2018 Racines Wenzlau Vineyard Chardonnay

Aromas of crisp pear, lemon confit, white florals, and crushed herbs lead into a bright, precise palate. Flavors of tart yellow apple, lemon peel, and subtle dried thyme mesh with notes of hazelnut and wet stone. The texture is refined and layered, supported by driving natural acidity, a chalky mineral backbone, and a long, savory finish.

Hand-harvested Chardonnay fruit is whole-cluster pressed using gentle cycles. A joint project between Etienne de Montille, Rodolphe Péters, and Justin Willett, the juice ferments spontaneously with native yeasts in French oak barrels and puncheons. The wine ages on its fine lees without heavy batonnage to protect its linear structure, then rests in neutral oak before bottling with minimal manipulation.

Grapes are sourced entirely from the organically farmed Wenzlau Vineyard, tucked along the Santa Ynez River on the western edge of Sta. Rita Hills. The vines grow in Sorrento loam and clay soils over limestone. Persistent ocean fogs and intense coastal winds flowing off the Pacific keep the microclimate exceptionally cool, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly while retaining high natural acidity and distinct mineral focus.