AROMAS & FLAVORS
The 2020 Courtney Chardonnay opens with aromas of crisp lemon zest and brioche. On the palate it is racy with minerality and nuances of flint, accompanied by softer notes of marshmallow confection and vanilla wafer with faint notes of crushed hazelnut on the finish. This is the perfect brunch wine that will pair perfectly with an asparagus, feta, and ham frittata.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
As part of the original Spanish Land Grant, Rancho Santa Rosa is one of Santa Barbara’s most historic properties. This beautiful south-facing hillside climbs from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed and transferred to tank. Next, after a day of cold-settling, the juice was racked to neutral French oak barrels. It was then fermented using native yeast for primary and secondary fermentation. With intention, only 5% new oak was applied to the wine in order to highlight the fruit and terroir. After 18 months of aging sur lie in French oak barrels, the wine was blended and bottled.
VINTAGE
The 2020 growing season began with a dry, cool weather pattern that led to a 3-day heat surge of 100+ temperatures in July. Though nearby fires greatly diminished air quality in the area, we were fortunate not to face any immediate threats to the winery. Through all the layers of challenges 2020 presented, the sense of comradery in our team grew and the result is a vintage of expressive and delightful wines.
