John Sebastiano Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
Sta. Rita Hills

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast

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. 

Tasting Notes

The 2023 John Sebastiano Vineyard Chardonnay presents a bright, pale-gold hue with an expressive bouquet of ripe apricot, fresh nectarine, and Valencia orange zest, layered with toasted oak, vanilla, and baking spice. Crushed oyster shell adds a mineral dimension, while the palate delivers Meyer lemon curd, white peach, and ripe orchard fruit framed by generous barrel character. Medium- to full-bodied and silky in texture, the wine balances its oak influence with vibrant acidity, providing freshness and lift through the mid-palate.

The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of citrus, stone fruit, toasted oak, vanilla, and subtle spice. Rich yet energetic, this Chardonnay strikes a harmonious balance between ripe fruit, barrel influence, and bright acidity. Approachable now, it should also develop additional complexity with bottle age and is best served slightly below traditional cellar temperature.

Technical Data:

pH: 3.3   TA: 6.5 g/L   Alc: 13.6%