One of the favorite Chardonnays from California, Trout Gulch, is an outstanding wine. It has been a few years since we have offered this one from Arnot Roberts, but with 2021 shaping up to the one of the best of all time, we couldn't pass it up. The Trout Gulch vineyard is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains at an elevation of about 600 feet and is planted mostly to the Wente clone with vines over 40 years old. The vineyard, as the crow flies, is about 3.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean, making it an incredibly cool climate site that a few other producers buy grapes from, like Ceritas and Kutch wines (which tend to be more expensive). The aromatics here are stunning, with aromas of orchard blossoms, lemon, lime, green apple, wet stones, saline, resin, and a savory component. The palate is tightly wound, intense, and focused with citrus and apple flowers dominating with nuances of minerals and saline buttressed by wonderful lift from the acidity. This wine is very Chablis-like with its crystalline purity, and 2021 is one of the best examples here of all time.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 96 pts! The 2021 Chardonnay Trout Gulch Vineyard is a model of precision and class. Pure and crystalline, the 2021 is superb. I would give it a few years to settle down, but all the elements are in place. Lemon peel, chalk, mint, white flowers, sage and crushed rocks abound in this striking, riveting Chardonnay. The 2021 is just pristine. This is what Trout Gulch Chardonnay is all about