2015 Vista Al Rincon Chardonnay - Sanford Winery

Meyer lemon, fresh croissant, poached pear. Gala apple slice, jasmine flower, peach skin. Vanilla bean and fine-ground cinnamon, dry straw and crushed cashew. Caramelized plantain and tangerine peel lead an attack bursting with expressive high energy fruit; unrelenting in focus despite the softening impact of nutmeg, clove, and new wood. Honeycomb and honeysuckle dance jovially on the bouquet in contrast to hints of cold sea water and lees. Poised, regal, and tightly wound, exhibiting slight roundness while still equal parts crisp, saline, and refreshing. Medium plus in body and acidity show great restraint while still remaining surprisingly open. This 2015 Vista Al Rincon Chardonnay by Sanford Winery is a serious single block Santa Barbara white with a fun side.

Sanford Winery occupies one of the most prized pieces of winegrowing real estate in all of Santa Barbara County. Their winery facility sits directly in the middle of the La Riconada Vineyard; a wonderful site that is contiguous to the legendary Sanford & Benedict Vineyard just up the hill to the east. Although less well known than Sanford & Benedict La Rinconada has quietly emerged as a vineyard with near-equal potential for producing high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This bottling, crafted by Sanford Winery using Chardonnay sourced from the steep Vista Al Rincon block of the La Rinconada Vineyard, provides a terrific glimpse into the strengths of this parcel. In typical Sanford style this wine is structured and contemplative yet it glistens with the slightest kink of Mona Lisa's smile in the form of sunshine-filled fruit and pretty oak. This is well made and delicious Santa Barbara Chardonnay.