2021 Hilliard Bruce Chardonnay
Single Vineyard Series
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: 100% Santa Rita Hills
pH: 3.47
TA: 6.6
Oak: 50% New French
We are excited to introduce this inaugural vintage from the Hillard Bruce vineyard, located in the Santa Rita Hills just north of Santa Barbara. This area is renowned for soft and restrained Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that show tons of minerality, earth, and elegant tannin structure. The appellation is just off the Pacific coast and wedged between two mountain ranges, that act as a funnel, drawing cool ocean air through them and into the vineyards located below. Some of the world’s largest and purest deposits of diatomaceous earth (fossilized hard-shelled algae) are here, and contribute to a saline and mineral character in the resulting wine. This is a very unique place to farm.
The most elegant and refined of the Chardonnays in our lineup, folks who enjoy a brighter style with nuanced aromatic notes of salinity, bright lemon citrus, and caramelized apple will love this wine. The palate is elegant bodied, with subtle minerality and lime. The wine completed secondary fermentation, which gives it ample coverage across the tongue. The finish is appropriately acidic, with supporting notes of sweet apple and lemon zest.
