Focused and quietly expressive, this Chardonnay opens with aromas of lemon peel, green apple, and pear, followed by subtle notes of white flowers and crushed stone. The palate is taut and precise, driven by bright acidity and a saline, mineral edge. A restrained creaminess adds texture without softening the wine’s core, leading to a long, clean finish that emphasizes freshness and clarity over weight.
The fruit is hand-harvested from the historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and gently pressed before fermenting with native yeasts. Aging takes place in French oak, largely neutral, with time on lees adding nuance and subtle breadth. Oak influence remains understated, allowing the vineyard’s natural tension and acidity to define the wine.
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is one of the foundational sites of California’s Sta. Rita Hills, planted in the early 1970s and prized for its cool climate and marine-influenced soils. Tyler Winery is known for transparent, site-driven wines that emphasize balance and restraint. This bottling reflects both the pedigree of the vineyard and Tyler’s precise, hands-off approach.
