Sandhi Wines
Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
The 2021 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is terrific. Citrus confit, white flowers, almond, chamomile and dried herbs all run through this super-expressive Chardonnay. There's a touch of phenolic intensity, along with a kiss of reduction, that add character. Almost all of this fruit is now estate. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is terrific. Citrus confit, white flowers, almond, chamomile and dried herbs all run through this super-expressive Chardonnay. There's a touch of phenolic intensity, along with a kiss of reduction, that add character. Almost all of this fruit is now estate. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2023)
Majorly reduced and thin on the palate. Very disappointed.
Majorly reduced and thin on the palate. Very disappointed.
Oct 20th, 2021
Pretty good stuff here. More depth and structure than the 2013 version I tried a few years ago.
Pretty good stuff here. More depth and structure than the 2013 version I tried a few years ago.
Oct 5th, 2019
Look, I know people dig this style, but it’s just not what I look for in Chardonnay. No doubt on the lees, very creamy with an intense texture. Getting that buttery vibe. I’m an outlier, but just not my thing.
Look, I know people dig this style, but it’s just not what I look for in Chardonnay. No doubt on the lees, very creamy with an intense texture. Getting that buttery vibe. I’m an outlier, but just not my thing.
Apr 20th, 2019
Light golden hue. Aromas of lemon peel, lees, white flowers, chalk, and a bit of smoke. With good acidity and absence of prominent new oak, it leans more to the Burgundian end of the spectrum than California. Made from a blend of fruit from Rita’s Crown and Bentrock Vineyards aged in 500 L barrels. 13% ABV.
Light golden hue. Aromas of lemon peel, lees, white flowers, chalk, and a bit of smoke. With good acidity and absence of prominent new oak, it leans more to the Burgundian end of the spectrum than California. Made from a blend of fruit from Rita’s Crown and Bentrock Vineyards aged in 500 L barrels. 13% ABV.
Jan 5th, 2019
This completely over delivers. Would have guessed a Faiveley Mercurey Blanc blind. The nose shows apple, tons of stony minerals, salt air and jasmine. The palate is lit up with perfect acidity; carrying all those same flavors along with some crushed rocks, tangerine, and fresh made caramel. 2014 is the best vintage of this yet. I want to lay it down a few years, but can’t resist drinking it now.
This completely over delivers. Would have guessed a Faiveley Mercurey Blanc blind. The nose shows apple, tons of stony minerals, salt air and jasmine. The palate is lit up with perfect acidity; carrying all those same flavors along with some crushed rocks, tangerine, and fresh made caramel. 2014 is the best vintage of this yet. I want to lay it down a few years, but can’t resist drinking it now.
Sep 28th, 2018
This is clearly intended to portray a Burgundian profile. And it largely succeeds. The Chablis-like nose has wet stony earth and apply fruit. Crisp acids. Minerally flavors. The problem — and this is a problem I see whenever someone in a region with abundant sunshine actively tries to rein in the ripeness by picking early — is that by picking before the time when nature gives you the ripeness IT wants, the wines somehow lack depth and feel a little “clipped.” So, in sum, I like this, but it lacks the depth to be profound.
This is clearly intended to portray a Burgundian profile. And it largely succeeds. The Chablis-like nose has wet stony earth and apply fruit. Crisp acids. Minerally flavors. The problem — and this is a problem I see whenever someone in a region with abundant sunshine actively tries to rein in the ripeness by picking early — is that by picking before the time when nature gives you the ripeness IT wants, the wines somehow lack depth and feel a little “clipped.” So, in sum, I like this, but it lacks the depth to be profound.
Sep 8th, 2018
Delicious Chardonnay craving more time in bottle. Structured and textured. Round citrus fruit that’s restrained yet weighty. Long finish of clean lemon and orange peel and oh so faintly creamy.
Delicious Chardonnay craving more time in bottle. Structured and textured. Round citrus fruit that’s restrained yet weighty. Long finish of clean lemon and orange peel and oh so faintly creamy.
Jul 26th, 2018
It was gone too fast to leave any notes
It was gone too fast to leave any notes
Nov 23rd, 2017
💥 💥 💥 😁. This is 🔥!!!! Electrifying on the palate. Very expressive nose and massive acidity. This is one of the best Chardonnay values on the market. Stupid ridiculous. This particular vintage saw some of the Bentrock declassified fruit make it in this bottle. @June's All Day, Austin TX
💥 💥 💥 😁. This is 🔥!!!! Electrifying on the palate. Very expressive nose and massive acidity. This is one of the best Chardonnay values on the market. Stupid ridiculous. This particular vintage saw some of the Bentrock declassified fruit make it in this bottle. @June's All Day, Austin TX
Sep 7th, 2017