John Sebastiano Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
Sta. Rita Hills

Vineyards:

The John Sebastiano Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara is planted on the extreme Eastern edge of the appellation in the warmer part of the AVA. Soils here are clay-loam underlain by limestone and vary greatly in depth due to the nature of the slopes and swales of the vineyard. Our Wente clone Chardonnay blocks are situated on a steep slope that faces directly west into the cool winds that blow in off the Pacific Ocean, thus limiting the grape yields and resulting in concentrated flavors. 

Winemaking:

The handpicked fruit was gently crushed before being gently pressed, cold settled overnight, and then transferred to two used 500 L French oak puncheons, two new Françoise Frères Burgundy barrels, and two more neutral barrels for native fermentation.  The wine was aged on its lees without stirring for 12 months and then transferred to a stainless tank for an additional 4 months of aging for better oak integration before bottling. Malolactic fermentation was blocked to retain freshness.  The warmer than usual 2019 vintage allowed the fruit to ripen slightly more than in previous vintages at JSV.  225 cases produced

Tasting Notes:

The 2019 John Sebastiano Vineyard Chardonnay displays a highly aromatic nose of white flower blossoms, salted nuts, and hints of toasty oak.  The palate is medium to full bodied with flavors of ripe meyer lemon, pineapple, and graham cracker all framed by mouthwatering acidity.  This wine will reward some time in the cellar or even a short decant.  Best served at slightly below cellar temperature.