2010 White Hill Chardonnay - Liquid Farm

Salted apple, chamomile, dried lemon peel. Juicy nectarine, oyster shell, apricot flesh. Crushed cardamom and cedar, dried jasmine and dusty hay. Gorgeously developed and integrated fruit sings with purity, power, and finesse, presenting a medley of citrus and orchard fruit plus a dash of tart pineapple. Distinctly mineral and saline - like cold ocean waves crashing onto a sandy beach. Subtly mature and quite expressive showing just a touch of dried floral tones complementing delicate spice and a tertiary notes. Perfectly balanced and bright with slightly mellowed acidity that suggests it is drinking near its peak. This 2010 White Hill Chardonnay by Liquid Farm is amazingly developed and delicious aged California Chardonnay.

In a recent conversation with a Master Sommelier we were surprised to hear the antiquated declaration that "California Chardonnay can't age". While it may be true that some of California's biggest most oak-laden butter bombs will not stand up to long term cellaring, there are many wonderful Chardonnay's being produced throughout the state that can not only survive but will actually improve with bottle age. This bottling, crafted by Liquid Farm using 100% Chardonnay from 3 select vineyards in Santa Barbara's Santa Rita Hills appellation, is a fantastic example of ageworthy Cali-Chard. At 9 years from vintage this wine has benefited greatly from time and is exhibiting the sublime integration and developmental complexity that can only come from properly executed maturation. While Liquid Farm's Chablis-inspired White Hill bottling is always wonderful upon release it is absolutely built to improve in the cellar. White Burgundy shouldn't get to have all of the fun.