Alma Rosa, Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County, the Alma Rosa estate vineyard, El Jabali, was first planted in 1983 by California wine pioneer Richard Sanford, who founded Alma Rosa Winery in 2005. 

Winemaker
Samra Morris

Grape / Blend
100% Chardonnay

Origin
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Alma Rosa has found that the Chardonnay grown in the Sta. Rita Hills--though small in volume--is exceptional. Our Chardonnay wines are bright and fresh, with chalky minerality and a vibrant, layered mouthfeel, a deliciously refreshing interpretation of the grape.

94 Points - James Suckling
Brilliant acidity behind rich, ripe and creamy flavors. The wine is luscious, fresh, layered and long in the finish. Full-bodied, toasty and concentrated but sleek and elegant, too. Drink now or hold.

92 Points - Vinous
The 2022 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is a very pretty, gracious wine. Light floral notes and tropical inflections grace this open-kit Chardonnay. A touch of lees-stirring and full malolactic fermentation add creaminess, but this reminds a decidedly understated Chardonnay.

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Lovely nectarine and white flower aromas are cleanly presented on the nose of this bottling. The palate is tightly wound at first and then opens into flavors of orange oil and lemon blossom before clinging back to that leathery structure.

91 Points - Wine Advocate
Aged for 10 months in 27% new wood, the 2022 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is broad and tropical on the nose, with aromas of tangerine oil, white peach and yellow apples. The palate is plush and weighty yet retains a taut, refreshing core, leading to an impressively focused and saline-driven finish—a fitting, well-made introduction to the powerfully elegant style at Alma Rosa.

Product size: 750ml