Arnot-Roberts Santa Cruz Mountains Trout Gulch Chardonnay 2023

This Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay comes from Arnot-Roberts, the pioneering winemaking duo leading the 'New California' movement. High in natural acidity thanks to the cool, coastal climate of Trout Gulch this wine has strong minerality and a noticeable salinity on the palate. 

19/20 - After the 19th-century shoutout from Frona Eunice Wait, I was on the lookout for a Chablis-like Chardonnay from the region. This one’s it. Initial scents of fruit, pineapple and apple are delivered dryly, like a kind of essence without the juice. Initial flavours are supple and lively, with beautiful energy and drive from stirring acidity; for all its initial energy, it has a comfortable middle-palate weight that pauses the trajectory before finishing with energy and lift. - Patrick Comiskey, Jancisrobinson.com

92/100 - The 2023 Chardonnay Trout Gulch Vineyard comes from vines planted in 1979 less than four miles from the Pacific Ocean. Grapes were picked on November 2, and the wine was matured for 10 months in used French oak. It has slowly opening aromas of white orchard fruit, iodine, saline and hazelnuts. The medium-bodied palate is crisp and ethereal with saline-laced flavors. It’s enlivened by bright acidity and has a long, refreshing finish. - Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate