2023 Chardonnay "Rider Ridge Vineyard" Sandar & Hem Santa Cruz Mountains 0,75l

The 2023 Chardonnay "Rider Ridge Vineyard" from Sandar & Hem is a striking single-vineyard expression from the cool Santa Cruz Mountains in California. Grown on steep, shale-influenced slopes, it captures the region’s mineral tension and maritime freshness in a finely tuned Chardonnay with real sense of place.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it shows a cool, refined profile with a bright, focused character. The nose is layered with citrus, subtle reduction, and delicate saline notes, while the palate delivers crisp fruit, fine texture, and a pronounced mineral edge. The wine finishes long, fresh, and elegant, with enough structure and balance to suggest excellent mid-term aging potential. Its vibrant acidity and precise architecture should allow it to develop additional complexity over the next few years.

Production
Rider Ridge Vineyard sits in the Santa Cruz Mountains on steep hillsides with stony, shale-leaning soils that naturally encourage concentration and minerality. The cool maritime mountain climate extends the growing season, helping the grapes ripen slowly while preserving freshness and aromatic clarity. For this bottling, the fruit was hand-selected and vinified with a restrained, terroir-driven approach to preserve purity, texture, and site expression.

Food & Serving
This Chardonnay is an excellent match for oysters, shellfish, and grilled fish, as well as roast poultry and elegant vegetable dishes. Serve it chilled at 10–12°C, and decanting is not necessary unless you want to give it a little more air after opening.

Producer
Sandar & Hem is known for sourcing distinctive vineyard sites and crafting wines that emphasize geology, balance, and regional identity. Their focus on precision and small-scale production has made them a compelling name among California producers working with a more site-specific, minimalist style.

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