Mellow aromas of Asian pear, butter-fried apple and a bit of canned pear show on the nose of this appellation blend. The compelling aspect is the grippy palate, which is taut in a chalky tension that presents flavors of sea salt, Pink Lady apple and red pear.

Starting with the 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills Estate, it comes from the Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada Vineyards and was aged in 20% new French oak. It offers a terrific bouquet of stone fruits, melon, honeysuckle, and spice, with just a hint of salty minerality. It's medium-bodied, has a balanced, elegant style, nicely integrated acidity, and is as classy Chardonnay. It should also evolve nicely for 4-5 years.

The 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills was barrel fermented and aged eight months in about 20% new oak. It has a very toasty nose with gunflint hints over baked yellow apple, white peach, pastry crust, lemon meringue and banana chip. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good core of toasty/savory fruits, with juicy acidity and a long finish. 8,971 cases produced.