Category:
 
White Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Dom Jean Francois
Label Name:
 
Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.1%
Grape(s):
 
Chardonnay
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
10-12°C

Awards/Ratings
Selected reviews/ratings: Vinous 94 (2018); Decanter tasting entry (2021) lists 13. retailers/critics (WineWatch, KLWines, others) have given high praise to the Twelve Rows Chardonnay

Tasting Note
Perfumed with lychee, white peach and poached pear, plus acacia and beeswax. Chalky, flinty minerality underpins a satiny medium-bodied palate with bright acidity and a long, evolving finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast chicken with herbs, beurre blanc seafood, grilled salmon, lobster with lemon-butter. Asian: miso‑glazed black cod, sushi/hamachi, light tempura, Cantonese roast pork or duck.

Production Method
Whole-cluster pressed; fermented and aged in French oak barrels (partial new oak), native or selected yeast ferments; aged ~16–18 months with moderate lees contact.

Vineyard Info
Domaine Jean François is a collaboration between Sanford Winery and François Labet (Château de la Tour), produced from old vines in the historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (planted early 1970s). Imported/marketed via the Terlato family portfolio.