Chardonnay \’Patterson\’, Sandhi 2021

The Santa Rosa Hills guarding its back and flanks, Patterson\’s altitude and shelter from the wind yield a soft and familiar but tight aromatic profile. Even if a little shy, notes of chalk and lemon curd coat the nose. It\’s quite Chablisienne this way. As if to assure its friendliness and California provenance the palate is more expansive, ushering in a whoosh of salted citrus flesh, green apple and a dapple of cream.

Wonderful fruit density, smooth texture; all elements taken together recall crisp California Chardonnays of a bygone era. Though this wine suggests a renaissance is underway.