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
2019 Vintage
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, July 2021
Coming from the Santa Maria Valley, the 2019 Chardonnay Camelot Highlands has a more mineral-laced, seaside style that offers plenty of peach and orchard fruits, notes of iodine, crushed stone, and toasted almonds, medium body, bright acidity, and a great finish. It's going to keep for 4-5 years.
91 points, Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator, July 2021
Firmly structured, with a spicy mix of ripe apple, pear and peach pastry flavors that are backed by lively acidity. Minerally midpalate, with notes of sage cream on the rich finish. Drink now through 2024.
Winemaking
40+ year old vines of 100% Clone 4 Chardonnay on its own root stock. Fermented and aged sur lees 8 months in 100% French oak, 45% new, with a 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.
