"Gorgeously reductive, this wine stuns with briny ocean aromatics, chipped flint minerality, and a salted grilled lemon smoky depth. An exhilarating mouthfeel of ocean brine, concentrated lemon flavours, dashes of white pepper and electric acidity. This Chardonnay shows why the cool Sta Rita Hills pair perfectly with the variety. (Drink between 2024-2037)" -Decanter, 96DE

"This Chardonnay comes from two north-facing parcels from the prestigious Bentrock Vineyard on the west side of Santa Rosa Road. Partially diatomaceous earth and mix of sediment and clay on rolling slopes between 400-500 feet in elevation. A dazzling Chardonnay with a gorgeous balance of pure fruit and minerality. Lemon verbena aromatics mingle with crushed sea shells and salted lemon wedges. The palate shows a lively verve with precise concentration. Lemon pulp, a note of creamy lemon meringue, this wine spends 18 months or so on lees and dials in the texture brilliantly. Reductive winemaking keeps it fresh and pulsating with seaspray minerality into the finish. (Drink between 2024-2040)" -Decanter, 97DE

"This Chardonnay comes from two north-facing parcels from the prestigious Bentrock Vineyard on the west side of Santa Rosa Road. Partially diatomaceous earth and mix of sediment and clay on rolling slopes between 400-500 feet in elevation. A dazzling Chardonnay with a gorgeous balance of pure fruit and minerality. Lemon verbena aromatics mingle with crushed sea shells and salted lemon wedges. The palate shows a lively verve with precise concentration. Lemon pulp, a note of creamy lemon meringue, this wine spends 18 months or so on lees and dials in the texture brilliantly. Reductive winemaking keeps it fresh and pulsating with seaspray minerality into the finish. (Drink between 2024-2040)" -Decanter, 97DE

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée is dense, plush and explosive. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. Bright red cherry/plum fruit, spice, cedar, new leather and spice infuse the 2021 with tons of nuance. This is a fabulous appellation-level wine. (Drink between 2024-2033)" -Antonio Galloni, 92VM

"Sourced from Wenzlau, La Rinconada, Sanford & Benedict and Bentrock, the NV Grand Reserve Sparkling (2020 Base) was disgorged in February of 2023 with a dosage of four grams per liter, after spending 2.5 years on its lees. The nose is effortlessly fragrant and refined, offering citrus peel, green orchard fruit, nougat and crushed stone aromas. The palate is elegantly chalky and succulent, exuding a refinement of mousse that is so difficult to find in domestic sparkling wines. It finishes with fine, chalky details and an ethereal lift, gracefully attaining its intended mission statement: a high-toned Sta. Rita Hills blanc de blancs made with Champenois intentionality and precision. In a significant development for the Sta. Rita Hills, Racines combines the expertise of Etienne de Montille, Brian Seave and Rodolphe Péters, representing the first major Burgundian/Champenois outpost in Santa Barbara County. Winemaker Ryan Hannaford completes the quartet responsible for these superb wines that have gradually become more tailored to the region. A singular highlight of the range is the Grand Reserve Sparkling, which exudes a clarity and refinement of mousse that is nearly unparalleled in California, making it one of the best expressions of domestic sparkling wine I have tasted. The Chardonnays are aged in barrel and finished in tank, resulting in chiseled, focused expressions. The Pinot Noirs employ high percentages of whole clusters and judicious new wood, combining a modern polish with confident but refined structures. Vineyard sources remain some of the region's best—including Sanford & Benedict, La Rinconada and Bentrock—and a 23-acre estate vineyard is underway, supplemented by a long-term lease at Wenzlau." - Wine Advocate 94WA