2022 Samuel Louis Smith Chardonnay 'Spear Vineyard'

One of our absolute favorite California Chardonnays- it's like Chablis with a little kiss of California sunsine! 

100% organic Chardonnay. Spear is a young, yet very exciting site in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills. Planted in 2014 and farmed organically by Ofer Shepher, its northern border and steep north-facing slopes hug Highway 246. Varied elevation reaches 900 feet and soils are comprised of primarily marine sedimentary clay and some sand. Native yeast fermentation in barrel. 50% malolactic fermentation. 10 months élévage in 17% new, 17% second-fill, and 66% neutral barrels. 144 cases made. 12.9% alcohol. 

Sam's tasting notes: "Pale yellow. Lemon curd, toasted vanilla bean, seaspray, and lime zest are followed by hints of citrus pith and salted toffee. Medium bodied with bright acidity and elegant chalky texture."

95 points, Wine Enthusiast. "Lemon curd and lime flesh cut into the light toastiness on the nose of this botting from an organic vineyard in the heart of the appellation. The palate is very chalky in texture and extremely brisk in flavor, as a firmly grippy structure frames Meyer lemon, salted nectarine and brisk lime zest flavors." SLS