Samuel Louis Smith, Chardonnay "Of Redwood Royalty" Bald Mountain Vineyard, Ben Lomond Mtn, Santa Cruz Mountains, California 2019

Straw color. Aromas of citrus blossom, green apple, yuzu, and sea spray are supported by flavors of quince, pear skin, and subtle baking spice. Less floral and more mineral than the Spear chardonnay, this wine is much more Chablis than Côte d’Or in character.

The preeminent Bald Mountain Vineyard is owned and organically farmed by the Beauregard family in the Ben Lomond Mountain sub-AVA of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Planted in 1990 to 33 acres of chardonnay and seven acres of pinot noir, it sits at 1,000 feet on a southwest facing slope and is surrounded by giant redwoods. The cool climate and white, sandy Zayante soils translate to wines with intense energy and linear structure. Pioneers of Santa Cruz Mountains wine growing, the Beauregards are close friends and Redwood Royalty.

Ben Lomond Mtn, Santa Cruz Mountains 2019 (vineyard managed by Beauregard family 1000 feet southwest surrounded by gian redwoods 20% malo 18% new oak))