
Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2020
Grown on the hillside above the Santa Maria Bench in Santa Barbara, the premium blocks of the Camelot Highlands Chardonnay vineyard are dedicated to the Jackson Estate bottling. The ancient vines in these blocks have struggled through daily dense fog for over forty years on their own roots stretching down to the prehistoric, seabed soils below. Pineapple, mango and papaya with a creamy, lush, rich palate. Notes of cinnamon, candied lime and vanilla crème brûlée create an appealing and lingering finish.
Acclaim
90 points, Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast, July 2022
Dried lemon, orange peel, appleflesh, white-flower and sea-salt aromas make for a compelling introduction to this bottling. The flavors warm up on the sip, where toasted hazelnut, browned butter and salted nectarine flavors align.
Winemaking
40+ year old vines of 100% Clone 4 Chardonnay on its own root stock. Fermented and aged sur lees 8 months in 68% French oak (42% new) and 32% American oak, with medium plus toast.
Vineyards
Elevation: 350 - 450 feet
Soil: Sedimentary rock with small rhombohderon pieces of calcium carbonate and limestone.
Climate: A direct infusion of daily fog and moderate temperatures combine for an extremely long growing season.