Practicing Organic • 100% Chardonnay (Wente, 15, 76, and 4 clones) • Mae Estate Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills AVA) • Planted in 2017 • Elder series and Tierra complex sandy loam soils • Hand-harvested • Whole cluster pressed to tank to settle overnight • Native yeast fermentation in barrique and puncheon • No battonage • Fermented and ...Show More >
Practicing Organic • 100% Chardonnay (Wente, 15, 76, and 4 clones) • Mae Estate Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills AVA) • Planted in 2017 • Elder series and Tierra complex sandy loam soils • Hand-harvested • Whole cluster pressed to tank to settle overnight • Native yeast fermentation in barrique and puncheon • No battonage • Fermented and aged 10 months in French barrique and puncheon (20% new) • Additionally aged 8 months in stainless steel before bottling • 398 cases produced • 12.8% abv
VINOUS 95 The 2023 Chardonnay Mae Estate Vineyard pours a very light, crystalline yellow color, yet its weight and depth belie that translucent hue. Chalky and powdery in texture, it's a wine of excellent harmony and nuance that sings in perfect resonance all the way from start to finish. A fleshy, rich stone fruit profile leads the charge but, highlighted by shades of salty minerality and an almond-oil-like richness that lends a viscosity to the mouthfeel. Another excellent 2023 Chardonnay from Justin Willett.
WINE ADVOCATE 93 The 2023 Chardonnay Mae Estate opens with a lovely bouquet of citrus curd, fennel and pastry cream, followed by a spongey, pure and succulent palate. The finish is understated and driven by an even-keeled finish that lingers with bright, chiseled acidity. This is a stellar example of the northern corridor of Sta. Rita Hills, and it will be an increasingly formidable presence in the Tyler roster as the vines mature.
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