2023 · Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay

Racines is a Santa Rita Hills, California joint venture founded by Etienne de Montille and Brian Sieve of Burgundy’s Domaine de Montille with Rodolphe Peters of Champagne Pierre Peters. Their first project outside France focuses on cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourced from organically farmed vineyards along the Santa Rosa Road corridor, historic sites, and a newer estate vineyard. The wines are shaped by a hands-on, French-influenced approach centered on purity and transparency, with native-yeast fermentations, whole-cluster Pinot Noir, pigeage, extended élevage, and aging in 228L barriques. Organic farming is noted, though no formal sustainability certifications are listed.