Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
96WA/96JD
Peake Ranch

Outside of being the first and oldest of our vineyards, Sierra Madre is by far the coldest. Located on the western side of the Santa Maria AVA, it is one of the lowest elevation vineyards in the region. As such, it is blanketed by freezing coastal fog and wind all year long. The result is Chardonnay that retains racy natural acidity, a bright mineral-driven texture, and concentrated fruit that integrates flawlessly with the French oak barrels we use.

Oak regime: 100% French Oak, 38% New Oak
Clone: Clone 4

Our tasting note:
The Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay is a step up in quality from the entry-level SBC Chardonnay. It is is denser in the palete, bigger and longer, and has a creamy finish – in a word, balanced. It has hints of Hazelnut along with lively ripe citrus, apple and stone fruit notes. The judicious oak is well integrated here too. The accolates and critic scores are well deserved.

96 pts Jeb Dunnuck
Peach, honeyed pineapple, toasted spices and some brioche all emerge from the 2020 Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard, another incredibly textured, opulent, yet balanced and seamless Chardonnay from this team. It brings plenty of texture, yet at the same time remains light on its feet, pure, and seamless. Count me impressed. Aged in 38% new French oak, drink it any time over the coming 5-7 years or more.

96 pts Wine Advocate
The 2020 Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard is very expressive, offering apricot, poached pear, acacia, honeyed almonds and flinty streaks on the nose. The medium-bodied palate is satiny, expansive and savory with rounded acidity and a long, creamy finish. 297 cases produced.