2012 Liquid Farm, Chardonnay, Golden Slope, Sta. Rita Hills.
This beautifully crafted Chardonnay is another success for the young and talented team at Liquid Farm, a rising star on the Sta. Rita Hills wine scene and beyond. The 2012 releases elevates Liquid Farm into the top echelon of fine artisan producers of Chardonnay in the greater Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Barbara area, these wines show the passion and energy of the very best from their region, moving them up along side Brewer-Clifton, Sandhi and Tyler, all of which are highly recommended. Of the latest set of 2012 the Golden Slope really stands out, this is interesting and vigorous Chardonnay that has a Burgundy like austerity, but unique charms and lots of personality with fresh dynamic acidity and underlying richness, this not a harsh lean wine, nor is it a flabby cream pie, this is well made and pure Chardonnay that will intrigue you and keep a smile on your face from first sip until to the faint memory is all that’s left in the bottle. Liquid Farm’s first release was a mere 4 barrels in 2009, their mission was to connect the wine with the place, soils and growers, they wanted to transmit terroir and make vibrant expressions of Chardonnay, with the help of Brandon Sparks-Gillis of Dragonette Cellars the husband and wife team of Jeff and Nikki Nelson have done so in spades. The new Golden slope starts with white flowers, vivid citrus and mineral tones leading to a zesty palate of vivacious fruits, spice and herb notes that feels almost Chablis like steely, but with a bit more California sun infused. The Golden Slope was all native yeast fermented with 85% neutral wood and 15% new French oak, which adds a bit of style, baking spices and a sumptuous volume to this fine Chardonnay. This mid palate expands with lemon, peach, clove and yellow apples along with hints of sea salt, vanilla and tropical notes. This wine should prove entertaining over the next 3 to 5 years and may just reward even longer cellaring, this is very savvy and alluring juice.
($48 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
avail at www.sfwtc.com ($46.95)