Category:
 
White Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Dom Jean Francois
Label Name:
 
Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay
Vintage:
 
2019
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Chardonnay
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
12-14°C

Awards/Ratings
Notable scores/mentions: Naples Fine Wine V96 (2019 listing); WineWatch/Wine Advocate mentions up to 97 points for the Twelve Rows series; Vinous 94 for the 2018 Twelve Rows Chardonnay

Tasting Note
Medium-bodied Chardonnay with poached pear, white peach, citrus blossom, beeswax and chalky mineral notes; bright saline acidity, creamy texture and a long, slowly unfolding finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast chicken, lobster or scallops, creamy mushroom risotto, buttered pasta. Asian: miso‑glazed cod, sushi and sashimi, tempura, mild Thai green curry, pork belly with umami glaze.

Production Method
Selected 12 rows from Sanford & Benedict; hand-harvested, barrel‑fermented in French oak and aged ~11–14 months (≈20% new); sur‑lie élevage with partial malolactic fermentation; bottled with minimal filtration.

Vineyard Info
Domaine Jean François is a collaboration between Sanford Winery (Sta. Rita Hills) and François Labet (Château de la Tour, Burgundy), produced from old vines in the historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard; distributed via the Terlato family portfolio.