Racines is a partnership between Etienne de Montille, whose family has been making some of Burgundy's finest wines for generations, and Californian winemaker Brian Sieve. Their shared vision was simple: combine Burgundian winemaking with the best cool-climate vineyards California has to offer.
After exploring vineyards across the state, they were drawn to the Santa Rita Hills, where the cool Pacific influence produces Chardonnays of remarkable freshness, precision and elegance.
The fruit comes from a handful of outstanding vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, with most sourced from La Mesa and the estate's own Wenzlau Vineyard. These cool, windswept sites, planted on well-draining loam soils, are surrounded by some of California's most famous vineyards and consistently produce fruit with superb concentration and natural balance.
The 2021 growing season was close to ideal. Cool conditions and a long, steady ripening period allowed the grapes to develop excellent flavour while holding onto their natural acidity. The result is a Chardonnay with real purity, balance and the structure to develop beautifully over the coming years.
Fermentation and ageing took place in a combination of large and small French oak barrels, with only around 20% new oak, allowing the fruit to remain centre stage. After nearly a year in barrel, the wine spent a further five months resting on its lees in stainless steel, adding texture and complexity without losing its vibrant freshness.
This is a beautifully poised Chardonnay, offering aromas of preserved lemon, white blossom and a touch of fresh mint, with a gentle hint of white pepper. The palate is layered and refined, combining ripe citrus and orchard fruit with subtle creamy notes and a fine mineral streak. Fresh, vibrant and wonderfully balanced, it has the concentration to age well but is already a joy to drink.
