2021 Sandhi Romance Chardonnay, Santa Barbara

The 2021 Chardonnay Romance has layered scents of apricot, quince, matchstick, almonds, panna cotta and pie crust. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and expressive, with a highly concentrated core of nuanced fruit and expansive spice and savory accents. It has a luxuriously satiny texture and vibrant acidity that combines with its mineral character to create a long, shimmery finish. With all that flavor and energy, it will be long lived in bottle.

96+ points Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

Apricot, salted-caramel and steel aromas. Full-bodied and layered with dried-fruit flavors and phenolics. Ripe and juicy fruit with a salty note. Drink or hold.

97 points James Suckling

There is plenty to fall in love with here. Founded in 2010 by sommelier Rajat Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman, Sandhi has become one of California's most exciting Chardonnay producers. Romance is a particularly special expression from the cool Santa Rita Hills, where Pacific breezes and marine influenced soils produce wines of remarkable freshness, texture and finesse.

Pale gold with delicate green reflections. White peach, Meyer lemon and crisp pear mingle with jasmine, toasted almond and a hint of sea spray. The beautifully balanced 2021 vintage combines silky texture with vibrant citrus acidity, subtle savoury complexity and a long, mineral finish. Elegant and wonderfully expressive, with a distinctly Burgundian sensibility.

Delicious with grilled abalone and ginger, roasted snapper with fennel, or handmade ricotta and lemon agnolotti. A sophisticated Californian Chardonnay for lovers of fine white Burgundy.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2033+. Beautifully poised, with the freshness and structure to develop further complexity.