The 2023 Liquid Farm White Hill Chardonnay from the Sta. Rita Hills in California is a noteworthy expression of this varietal, receiving high praise from professional wine reviewers. This wine, produced by Liquid Farm, showcases a complex profile that balances vibrant acidity with a rich texture, making it a standout option for Chardonnay enthusiasts.
Decanter's Vanessa Rason awarded this wine an impressive score of 97, highlighting its "blazing acidity" and "salty, rocky minerality." Rason describes the wine as possessing "chiselled, chalky restraint," with a "ripe orchard fruit character" that provides depth to the mid-palate. The finish is noted for its "salty citrus" precision, suggesting that while the wine is enjoyable now, it has the potential to improve further with a few years of aging.
Vinous reviewer Billy Norris also commended this Chardonnay, giving it a score of 95. Norris emphasized the wine's "utterly pure bouquet" and "deeply layered array of creamy, yeasty orchard fruit." He noted its "broad yet focused" nature, with elements of "chalk, white pepper and mint" contributing to its mineral intensity and a long, impressive finish.
Both reviews highlight the wine's ability to balance richness and elegance, with Rason calling it "approachable now," and Norris praising its "concentrated yet driven" character. These accolades suggest that the 2023 Liquid Farm White Hill Chardonnay is a well-crafted wine with the potential to develop even greater complexity over time. Its combination of acidity, minerality, and fruit makes it a versatile choice for a variety of palates and occasions.