The 2018 Racines, Chardonnay "Bentrock Vineyard" Santa Rita Hills was a Merchant's Pick
"Truly recalibrating California Chardonnay"
August 05, 2021
We'd like to apologize in advance -
There are only 10 cases of this gorgeous Chardonnay, which is redefining California's most popular white grape.
"The 2018 Chardonnay Bentrock from Racines is gorgeous... This is such a captivating Chardonnay." Antonio Galloni
Well said!
Producers throughout California are dialing back oak influence in their wines to showcase the fruit and terroir.
Think Burgundy with a California twist.
"One of the finest Chardonnay examples produced in Santa Barbara County, if not California in its entirety. This has a striking, dramatic minerality that vaults from the glass and only ever gains in intensity with exposure to air. The palate is full, layered and high-toned while steering clear of either shrillness or thickness. The finish is both explosive and poised; a truly recalibrating California Chardonnay for those still skeptical of what can be achieved here." Decanter
What We Love About This Wine
The upfront acidity is mouth-puckering and the finish is endless.
You don't get "oak" in the classic sense; rather, you get lemon curd, green apple, a dash of pineapple (but restrained), bracing acidity, and key lime.
New to the wine scene, Racines is a collaboration between veteran winemaker Justin Willet (of Tyler and Lieu Dit) and two French winemaker icons Etienne Montille (of Domaine Montille) and Rodolph Peters (of Champagne's Pierre Peters).
Racines is a name to know, their Pinot Noir is out of this world as well.
Enjoy!
Extremely limited. While supplies last.