Jackson Estate Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2016
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
92 points, Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator, Jul 2018
Rich and voluptuous, with a savory accent to the powerful flavors of apple pastry, dried apricot and ripe pear. Quite buttery, featuring a finish loaded with spicy details.
91 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Apr 2018
"Kendall-Jackson's 2016 Chardonnay Camelot Highlands is bright and nicely lifted. Candied lemon peel, white flowers, mint and chalk give the Camelot its distinctive top notes. Medium in body
and super-refined, the 2016 is a wonderfully inviting wine to drink now and over the next handful of years."
Winemaking
40+ year old vines of 100% Clone 4 Chardonnay on its own root stock. Fermented and aged sur lees 9-1/2 months in 100% French oak, 41% new, with a medium 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.
