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.