The 2018 Westwood Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay is a white wine from the Sonoma region of California. It is produced by Westwood and is notable for being one of the first wines from the producer to source grapes outside of their estate, specifically from the Sangiacomo family, renowned farmers in the area.
This Chardonnay has garnered high praise from professional reviewers. Wine Enthusiast awarded it an impressive score of 94, highlighting its "rich and mineral-driven" character. The review by Virginie Boone notes the wine's "high acidity underlying the robust, balanced layers of pear, Meyer lemon and baking spice." Boone also remarks on the involvement of Philippe Melka and his team, suggesting a promising direction for the producer.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this wine an even higher score of 95, emphasizing its complexity and elegance. The review describes the wine as needing "a little coaxing before bursting from the glass with notes of fresh grapefruit, lemon meringue pie, and Bosc pears." The tasting note goes on to mention "hints of lime cordial and coriander seed with a waft of chalk dust," presenting a vivid picture of the wine's aroma profile. The review praises the Chardonnay's "fantastic intensity of citrus and mineral flavors" and its "racy backbone," culminating in a "long and layered" finish.
With an alcohol content of 13.5%, this wine is balanced yet vibrant, offering an engaging tasting experience. The closure is cork, maintaining traditional winemaking practices. Overall, the 2018 Westwood Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay is a standout wine that combines expert craftsmanship with high-quality grapes, resulting in a product that is both refined and expressive.