"The Chardonnays from Racines shine, and this bottling from Bentrock Vineyard stakes a claim for the Sta Rita Hills at a sweet spot for a Chablisenne minerality in the Golden State. The mineral precision from this wine is enthralling; aromatics of petrichor and smoked salt are followed by grilled lemon peel. The palate is a lean, thirst-slaking, hyper-focused mineral with crushed chalk, seaspray and lime leaf. There is a depth of mineral here that is complemented by savoury flavours and citrus, but those both take a back seat to the wine's sheer stony, briny brilliance. (Drink between 2023-2034)." -Decanter, 94DE

"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

"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

"Although the final blend is not assembled, de Montille winemaker Brian Sieve and I tasted the components for the 2022 Saint-Christophe: 60% Casse-Tête and 40% Petits Charrons from further down the slope. The two bring an array of aromas from citrus to pear and marzipan. There is enough acidity to keep this fresh but also enough richness to ensure that it is a classic Meursault style. The grapes are lightly crushed before pressing and fermented in cask with only 10 – 15% new wood to deliver an honest village Meursault with charming purity of fruit. (Drink between 2025-2045)" -Decanter, 92DE

"The 2021 Volnay Les Champans 1er Cru has a very attractive bouquet with brambly, red berry fruit, white pepper and sous-bois scents, nicely focused with a subtle garrigues note. The palate is medium-bodied with fine depth, crisp and lively with a healthy dash of white pepper. Well-focused and harmonious, this is a fine Volnay Champans. (Drink between 2024-2040)" -Vinous, 90-92VM