Dierberg Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2023 White Wine

Dierberg Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2023 

750 ml

Well-balanced, with crisp acidity, minerality, and subtle fruit. Low in alcohol. - Wine Factor

94 pts. James Suckling:

"A suave, complex and mellow white that’s rich in toasted almond, brown butter and baked apple flavors on a surprisingly light body. Vibrant acidity lifts the ample fruit and baking spice flavors for a vivid palate and a lingering finish. Drink now or hold."

92 pts. Vinous:

"The 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is a beautifully perfumed, rounded wine with an excellent dose of texture and energy. Lemon zest, chalk, mineral intensity and golden apple freshness run through the centerline of the palette with focus and precision. The 2023 is a very nuanced wine that’s more about texture and subtlety than overt fruit. Very elegant."

92 pts. Wine Advocate:

"Assembled from a mix of Drum Canyon estate fruit and outside sources, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills fermented and matured in 400-liter barrels and underwent partial malolactic conversion. It leads with a beautiful nose of honeyed orchard fruits, sea spray and dried white flowers, followed by a satiny palate and a high-toned, vibrant finish. A rich, classy and over-performing overview of the region, it should drink well over the next 5-7 years."

FROM THE WINERY

Our technique with this wine was consistent with the previous vintage and consistent with maximizing Drum Canyon: whole-cluster pressing, and an anaerobic ML which helps the wine achieve texture without butter.

TASTING NOTES

Floral and pleasantly lifted, the 2023 has plenty to offer in an upfront style. White flowers, "garrigue" and crushed rocks open nicely as the texture on the wine frames a beautiful acidity and the hallmark saline quality of Drum Canyon.

HARVESTED September 2023

OAK  50% 1400 gal German Feudre; 50% 400L Neutral French

AGED 11 months

BOTTLED August 2024

ALCOHOL 13.2%

CELLAR LIFE 10+ years