2021 Mail Road Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

Aromas of citrus oil, lime zest, chamomile, and light brioche lead into a tense, medium-bodied palate. Flavors of tart stone fruit, lemon peel, and white flowers mesh with subtle toasted spice and a distinct saline edge. The texture is round yet driving, framed by vibrant natural acidity that cuts clean through a focused, mineral-heavy finish.

The wine is built from a blend of 80% old-vine Wente clone and 20% Clone 4 Chardonnay. Winemaker Matt Dees ages the wine for 12 months in neutral French oak barriques. The juice undergoes a partial 40% malolactic fermentation to soften the mid-palate while keeping the structural tension intact.

Grapes are sourced from organically farmed sites in the cool Sta. Rita Hills region. The primary block comes from own-rooted vines planted in 1988 at Mt. Carmel Vineyard, which sits on steep south-facing slopes composed of botella clay, limestone, and diatomaceous earth. The remainder comes from Donnachadh Vineyard. Cold ocean breezes and persistent fog rolling off the nearby Pacific slow down ripening, allowing the fruit to retain high natural acidity and sharp mineral drive.