2020 - Cuvee Chardonnay, Racines, Sta. Rita Hills

The 2020 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee is a solid, entry-level offering from Racines. Apricot, lemon confit, tangerine and light tropical accents all grace this open-knit, inviting Chardonnay. This is a pretty overt style, but it works nicely.

Proportion of whole-bunch pressing varies; similar to burgundy. Fermentation in open vats from Burgundy for two weeks. No racking after malo. Aged on fine lees only for 14–18 months in 228-litre barrels. Then they rack and keep only very fine lees during a month in tank. 15–20 mg/l SO2. 15,000 bottles, and they export 60% via the de Montille burgundy network.Lively, fresh citrus nose. Lovely texture. Light bitterness on the end. Racy and open and friendly. Quite long. (JR)