DONNACHADH Chardonnay 2021

Winemaker Notes:The 2021 Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay is made from a blend of Clone 4 Chardonnay from vines in the topmost block on the vineyard hillside blended with Wente, 76, 548 fruit from the lower slope and riverside plantings.

Press Reviews

94ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE

The 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is the first vintage of Chardonnay from Donnachadh. It was barrel fermented and matured for around 10 months. Its aromas combine bright herbal, green apple and pear tones with underlying savory hints. The light-bodied palate is bright and fresh, yet offers a touch of anchoring creaminess that draws out the finish. Proprietor Drew Duncan says that for this vintage, fruit came from the Donnachadh estate, although that may not be the case in the future as this new project really gets up and running.

93WINE ENTHUSIASTThis brand’s new appellation bottling satisfies in both Old and New World ways. Clean, chalky aromas of bright Meyer lemon flesh and pith meet with a briny note on the mineral-laden nose. The palate is wrapped in chiseled-stone tannins, loaded with acidity and yet generous on flavors of white melon, lychee, nectarine and honeysuckle.