{"product_id":"2021-racines-santa-rita-hills-chardonnay","title":"2021 Racines Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003eRacines 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wayfarer Vineyard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55600142811512,"sku":null,"price":70.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.harrogatefinewinecompany.com\/products\/2021-racines-santa-rita-hills-chardonnay","provider":"Harrogate Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}