Whitcraft Winery

Pence Ranch Santa Ynez Valley Chardonnay

9.022 ratings
8.99 pro ratings
Santa Ynez Valley, 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
Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

Richer style than expected but great nonetheless. Stone fruit for days

Richer style than expected but great nonetheless. Stone fruit for days

Oct 26th, 2019
Matt

Sharp and etched chardonnay with racing acid but maintains that awesome broad palate I love in great chardonnay.

Sharp and etched chardonnay with racing acid but maintains that awesome broad palate I love in great chardonnay.

Feb 19th, 2016
Paul Stroud

Sommelier/Wine Director

9.1

Lean and clean. Well done Drake

Lean and clean. Well done Drake

Feb 17th, 2016
Alder Yarrow

Wine Blogger Vinography

9.4

Super juicy and mineral lemon curd, wet stones and toasted sourdough.

Super juicy and mineral lemon curd, wet stones and toasted sourdough.

Nov 30th, 2015
Nathaniel Muñoz

So bomb with scallops and crab! Grand cru Cali!

So bomb with scallops and crab! Grand cru Cali!

May 26th, 2015
Louis Joseph

Such an amazing wine, solid structure with stone fruit and oyster shells all day, a minerality that was very sharp and uplifting with fun slightly tropical notes as it warmed on the table. Each glass had something new to bring. Not your grandma’s Chardonnay, and I ain’t mad at that, loved everything about this one. Amazing recommendation from Chris and the lovely staff at the Lark SB. Drake is a true alchemist, turning fruit into solid gold!

Such an amazing wine, solid structure with stone fruit and oyster shells all day, a minerality that was very sharp and uplifting with fun slightly tropical notes as it warmed on the table. Each glass had something new to bring. Not your grandma’s Chardonnay, and I ain’t mad at that, loved everything about this one. Amazing recommendation from Chris and the lovely staff at the Lark SB. Drake is a true alchemist, turning fruit into solid gold!

May 25th, 2021
Maciej Kurka

Sold to me as an American Burg. This is not even close. Nice warm aromas of mango and honeysuckle with good acidity preventing it from blowing up. Too warm and still too oaky profile for my taste

Sold to me as an American Burg. This is not even close. Nice warm aromas of mango and honeysuckle with good acidity preventing it from blowing up. Too warm and still too oaky profile for my taste

Dec 22nd, 2019
Alec

Toasty crunchy lemon custard, Honey nut, and acid baby

Toasty crunchy lemon custard, Honey nut, and acid baby

Nov 4th, 2018
Galen Hasler

Great intensity and complexity. Stands up to any food. best balance of acidity and firm oak that I remember

Great intensity and complexity. Stands up to any food. best balance of acidity and firm oak that I remember

Apr 19th, 2017
Galen Hasler

Classy buttery exquisite balance of acidity

Classy buttery exquisite balance of acidity

Dec 26th, 2016