Aether, 'La Rinconada' Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
We have all the instruments and algorithms that modern vintners use, and these are helpful for making the wine hold together in the bottle. We see to the technical components, the raw materials, fruit, sourcing, uniqueness of terroir; all of the observational, empirical inputs that can be captured in a spreadsheet. But wine has ideas of its own.

What begins as naked elements puts on character with age. Wine has culture that can be cultivated or interrupted from moment to moment and hour to hour. With just enough warmth and care and lightness of hand, it develops soul. Not unlike you or me. Great wine is part biochemistry and part neurochemistry. There can be subliminal, subconscious responses to wine that remove it from the realm of a beverage and elevate it to something with the capacity to deliver a transcendent experience.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Full bodied yet balanced wines across the board and this Chardonnay lands squarely into that camp. Luxurious yet lively and lithe, flavorful and exotic but still friendly and familiar. Aromas of beeswax, blossoms and oyster shells frame an elegant and supple palate. 

94 Points - Ian Blackburn (GREAT FIND)
Continues to out perform the field - the vineyard is iconic - older vines - wise and shines in the richness and quality marks in this bottle.  Nose 13.5/15 Aromas 23.5/25 Body 23.5/25  Overall 33.5/35 = 94 Points 

Product size: 750ml