Sea Smoke Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2023

Sea Smoke Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2023 is a focused, cool-climate expression of Chardonnay sourced entirely from the Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard in California’s Santa Rita Hills AVA. This appellation, defined by its transverse east–west orientation and strong Pacific influence, provides long growing seasons, moderate temperatures, and naturally high acidity—conditions that shape the wine’s precision and balance. The 2023 vintage highlights these attributes with clarity, delivering a Chardonnay that emphasizes structure, freshness, and site character over excess weight.

The estate vineyard is planted on loamy, well-drained soils that encourage deep root systems and even ripening. Dijon and Wente clones form the foundation of the blend, chosen for their ability to convey both aromatic lift and mid-palate texture in a cool coastal environment. Fruit for the 2023 Chardonnay was harvested by hand and sorted in the vineyard, then chilled overnight in a cold room to preserve freshness and aromatic purity before pressing.

Winemaking follows a deliberate, restrained approach under the direction of winemaker Don Schroeder. After gentle pressing, the juice was transferred to stainless steel and cold settled to remove heavy solids. Primary fermentation took place in stainless steel to retain clarity and precision, after which the wine was racked to French oak barrels and inoculated for malolactic fermentation. Periodic lees stirring during élevage enhanced mouthfeel and integration without compromising the wine’s natural tension. The wine was aged for ten months in French oak, with twenty-four percent new barrels, striking a balance between subtle oak influence and varietal transparency. Bottling occurred without fining or filtration, preserving texture and site expression.

In the glass, the 2023 Sea Smoke Chardonnay presents aromas of lemon curd, star fruit, fresh-cut peach, and wet stone, reflecting both clone selection and coastal growing conditions. The palate is composed and layered, with satsuma mandarin notes and a restrained hint of hazelnut supporting a focused mid-palate. Bright, cool-climate acidity provides lift and definition, carrying the wine through a clean, mineral-driven finish.

At 13.3% alcohol, this Chardonnay favors balance and finesse rather than richness, making it well suited to collectors and buyers who appreciate Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay for its energy, structure, and age-worthy profile. Sea Smoke Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2023 stands as a precise, estate-driven white wine that clearly reflects its vineyard source, thoughtful vinification, and the cool maritime conditions of one of California’s most distinctive Chardonnay regions.