2023 Radian Vineyard Chardonnay
2023 Radian Vineyard Chardonnay
Exquisite Chardonnay from the incomparable Radian Vineyard.
Description
Radian produces some of the best wines in the Sta. Rita Hills, and this Chardonnay is no exception. It offers rich aromas of citrus and tropical fruits with hints of jasmine and limestone. The flavors are vibrant and luscious with juicy nectarines and peaches followed by vanilla beans and toasted almonds. The wine gracefully balances a delicate yet luxurious mouthfeel and culminates with a long, bright finish. Pair this with seared scallops in brown butter or a butternut squash risotto, or lay it down for a few years to reveal even more complexity with additional aging.
Vineyard Notes
One of the appellation’s most picturesque and coldest vineyards, this estate is located in the southwest corner of Sta. Rita Hills, unsheltered from direct exposure to cold winds and marine fog from the Pacific Ocean. Planted in 2007, Radian’s soils are Botella clay heavily laden with shale rock. The austere soils combined with persistent coastal winds result in small clusters and tiny berries, leading to deep, concentrated wines. This Chardonnay was sourced from Block 31, which is planted to the famous Wente clone of Chardonnay.
Production Notes
Sta. Rita Hills experienced an unusually cold growing season in 2023. Budbreak was delayed significantly, and cool summer weather led to slow ripening and a later harvest. The harvest started in late September and continued well into October. The long hang time encouraged excellent flavor development, complexity and concentration. Grapes for this wine were picked on October 7th.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes were handpicked and gently pressed as whole clusters. After settling in tank for 24 hours, the juice was racked to 60-gallon French oak barrels (barriques) for fermentation using both native and selected yeasts. The wine was 100% barrel fermented with 100% malo-lactic fermentation. It aged sur lie for 18 months in French oak, including 33% new barrels. The wine was bottled on April 24th, 2025.
| Vintage |
2023 |
| Wine Style |
White Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Chardonnay |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Harvest Date |
October 7th, 2023 |
| Acid |
6.7 g/l |
| PH |
3.26 |
| Bottling Date |
April 24th, 2025 |
| Alcohol % |
14.4 |
| Size |
750 ml |
