The Hilt

The Vanguard Chardonnay

9.135 ratings
9.114 pro ratings
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Al Shikoh

medium lemon yellow; lemon curd, pineapple, brioche, white flowers, hint of smoke; medium body, medium+ acidity, 13.2 % ABV, lovely balance; sourced 56% from Sanford & Benedict and 44% from Solomon Hills, aged 11 months in 90% new French oak, 50% malolactic fermentation

medium lemon yellow; lemon curd, pineapple, brioche, white flowers, hint of smoke; medium body, medium+ acidity, 13.2 % ABV, lovely balance; sourced 56% from Sanford & Benedict and 44% from Solomon Hills, aged 11 months in 90% new French oak, 50% malolactic fermentation

Oct 20th, 2019
Chris McClellan

Still incredible Chardonnay..honestly, chablis grand cru like...apple/ripe pear, creamy with piercing minerality...stellar

Still incredible Chardonnay..honestly, chablis grand cru like...apple/ripe pear, creamy with piercing minerality...stellar

Oct 14th, 2019
Chris McClellan

Lemon curd/lemon meringue, pear, slight green apple, vanilla, baking spices, acid med + acid..almost like grand cru chablis?? Acid still holds it all together. Stan Kroenke owner...ambitious story..Sta Rita hills special Chardonnay...I like it..paired well with roasted shrimp...

Lemon curd/lemon meringue, pear, slight green apple, vanilla, baking spices, acid med + acid..almost like grand cru chablis?? Acid still holds it all together. Stan Kroenke owner...ambitious story..Sta Rita hills special Chardonnay...I like it..paired well with roasted shrimp...

Dec 25th, 2018
Rob Brobst III

Thank you Wayne Kelterer.

Thank you Wayne Kelterer.

Jul 3rd, 2018
Aaron Means

Like Grand Cru Chablis

Like Grand Cru Chablis

May 6th, 2017
Chris McClellan

Great drinker..had with salmon..i feel med body, creamy, small amount of alcohol..lower booze. Honestly great mix between french chardonnay and big napa oaky chardonnay (cooler climate?) ...elegant, not terribly complex.

Great drinker..had with salmon..i feel med body, creamy, small amount of alcohol..lower booze. Honestly great mix between french chardonnay and big napa oaky chardonnay (cooler climate?) ...elegant, not terribly complex.

Jan 26th, 2017
Zach Cherry

Account Manager Worldwide Wine & Spirits

9.1

Shows Santa Barb has some Chard Chops. Lots of orchard fruit with decent body. Didn't get any butter here. I want seafood.

Shows Santa Barb has some Chard Chops. Lots of orchard fruit with decent body. Didn't get any butter here. I want seafood.

Aug 29th, 2016
Michael Housewright

Writer/Photographer Wine Enthusiast Magazine

8.5

Snore. Sorry, just not a CA chard guy, usually

Snore. Sorry, just not a CA chard guy, usually

Mar 16th, 2016
Kurt-Inge Eklund

Nice and fresh wine that opened up after some time!!!

Nice and fresh wine that opened up after some time!!!

Nov 29th, 2014
Trish Barton

A great Chardonnay but not my preferred flavor profile.

A great Chardonnay but not my preferred flavor profile.

Jul 23rd, 2021