The 2018 Racines Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay is a well-regarded white wine from the Central Coast of California, specifically from the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Produced by Racines, this vintage has garnered positive attention from notable wine critics, reflecting its quality and appeal.
According to Decanter, this Chardonnay displays a "broad but precise texture" and offers a complex array of flavors, including "green and yellow fruits interspersed with salted caramel and fennel." Reviewer Justin Willett, associated with Tyler Winery, collaborated with renowned figures such as Étienne de Montille and Brian Sieve from Domaine de Montille, and Rodolphe Péters of Champagne Pierre Péters, to craft the Racines label. The wine's foundation lies in the Wenzlau vineyard, with an aging process that includes 12 months in barrels followed by six additional months in tanks. Decanter awarded this wine a score of 92, highlighting its refined character and well-integrated flavors.
Vinous also praised the 2018 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee, describing it as "bright, airy and wonderfully perfumed." Reviewer Antonio Galloni noted its "ethereal and gracious" nature, emphasizing the wine's striking aromatic presence and mid-weight personality. He pointed out that it is one of the more "nervy, taut Chardonnays" available from the 2018 vintage, with a "lovely breadth" that becomes apparent with time in the glass. Galloni also mentioned hints of "lemon confit, white flower, and marzipan" that linger pleasantly on the finish. Vinous scored this wine a commendable 91 points.
With an alcohol content of 12.5% and a classic cork closure, the 2018 Racines Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay is a well-crafted wine that embodies the expertise of its producers and the distinctive characteristics of its terroir. Both Decanter and Vinous provided excellent reviews, underscoring its balanced and nuanced profile, making it a noteworthy choice for Chardonnay enthusiasts.