2022 Sandhi Romance Chardonnay, Santa Barbara

So much tension and fine layering in this light-bodied but detailed and elegant wine. It has chalky, saline aromas and subtle Bosc pear, vanilla bean and cream notes on the palate. It gains depth and breadth in the glass, becoming luscious as you sip and lingering long in the finish. Drink or hold.

98 points James Suckling

Toasty brioche aromas meet with seared nectarine and a kick of stone on the nose of this bottling. There's a tremendously pithy texture on the palate, where a granite-like minerality carries vibrant flavors of citrus and brioche pastry.

96 points Wine Enthusiast

There is something rather special about Chardonnay grown in the cool, windswept vineyards of Santa Barbara County. Founded by Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman, Sandhi has built its reputation on wines that favour finesse over power, allowing the coastal climate and distinctive vineyard soils to do the talking. Romance is a beautifully considered expression of this philosophy, combining Californian sunshine with a distinctly Burgundian sensibility.

Pale golden straw with delicate green reflections. White peach, lemon curd and crisp pear mingle with orange blossom, toasted hazelnut and a whisper of flinty smoke. The 2022 vintage has lovely concentration, with finely textured richness balanced by vibrant citrus acidity. A subtle saline character carries through a long, elegant finish, making this a Chardonnay of both charm and serious intent.

Wonderful with pan roasted kingfish and saffron fennel, grilled prawns with lemon and tarragon, or a golden leek and Gruyère tart.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2035. Beautifully balanced for further development, with more savoury complexity emerging over time.