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2016 Diatom Hilliard Bruce Vineyard Chardonnay

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

April 20, 2025 - $36

Estimate

RATINGS

94Jeb Dunnuck

...lots of citrus rind, salty minerality, spice and orange blossom aromas and flavors. Ripe impressively textured, with impressive clarity and cut...

93Vinous / IWC

...rich and textured on the palate, with a flavor profile that leans towards the riper end of the spectrum while retaining the freshness and energy that are such Diatom signatures.

93Wine Enthusiast

Freshly cut Anjou pear, crisp apple, hints of honeydew and lime skin show on the nose...bouncy acidity and a fine-grained, chalky grip to the sip, delivering chilled green-melon and lime-sorbet flavors. It's tangy yet laced with stony minerality and intriguing texture.

91The Wine Advocate

...delicate nose of lemon curd, fresh apples and crushed stones with hints of chalk dust and white pepper. Medium-bodied, fresh, clean and youthful, it has a racy backbone of freshness and a long mineral finish.

90Wine Spectator

Fruity, filled with engaging peach, Fuji apple and pear flavors that offer hints of roasted almond and spice. Accents of lavender show on the creamy finish.

REGION

United States, California, South Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

Santa Rita Hills AVA in northern Santa Barbara County was granted appellation status in 2001. Located between the towns of Lompoc and Buellton, it has a total area of 30,720 acres with 2,700 vineyard acres. The area is considered a cool climate for vineyards, so vineyards are most often planted with the cool-weather grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The hills in the western part of this appellation are directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean, meaning that maritime winds and fog make the western edge of the Santa Rita Hills AVA particularly cool. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard planted in 1971 was the first vineyard in the district and is still considered one of the best.

TYPE

White Wine, Chardonnay

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.

VINTAGE

2016 Diatom Hilliard Bruce Vineyard Chardonnay