Chardonnay, Sanford & Benedict, Racines - De Montille - 2022

Viticulture

This cuvée is a blend of Chardonnay from Santa Rita Hills, mainly from the Wenzlau and La Rinconada vineyards. Wenzlau is one of the estate's tenant vineyards. The parcel lies between Mount Carmel and the Sea Smoke vineyard, at the top of a steep hillside above the Santa Ynez River and opposite the Sanford & Benedict vineyard.

Oenology

The wines are fermented mainly in 500L, 350L and 228L barrels. The percentage of new wood is 20%. After nearly a year's ageing, the wines are racked with their lees into stainless steel vats, where they are left to mature for a further five months. This cuvée reveals the full quality potential of the region.

Suggestions for accompaniment

Pan-fried prawns with chickpeas and spinach leaves - Fish curry - Goat cheese.