Hello!  Two special and limited wines today!

Here is an awesome find that we came across last week!  From a winery that no one can pronounce, Donnachadh Vineyard (pronounced DON-nuh-kuh).  This is a family owned and organically farmed winery in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County.  They only grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Gamay.

Today we have their 2021 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  These are both very limited production with less than 800 cases of both produced and they both have gotten huge press from the critics.  I tasted both wines last week and fell in love.  These are very Burgundian in style, yet they recognize the unique site of the Sta. Rita Hills.  Not only are these delicious wines with huge scores and low prices, but they also have awesome labels.  The artwork makes these labels unique and gorgeous!

I especially loved the Chardonnay.  This Chardonnay is not your big buttery oak bomb like many California Chards.  This is so elegant with bright fruits and lovely acidity.  It still has a nice touch of oak, but it’s not overpowering, and the finish has a soft creaminess as well.  Just a wonderfully well-rounded wine!

Donnachadh Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2021 $29.99 compare at $40

94 Points Wine Advocate

“The 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is the first vintage of Chardonnay from Donnachadh. It was barrel fermented and matured for around 10 months. Its aromas combine bright herbal, green apple, and pear tones with underlying savory hints. The light-bodied palate is bright and fresh yet offers a touch of anchoring creaminess that draws out the finish.

The Pinot Noir is delicious as well.  I rarely choose a Pinot Noir to drink, but if I did, this would be one of them!  It has the soft earthy notes like a Red Burgundy with wonderful cranberry and strawberry fruits as well.  It is amazing how such a soft delicate wine can have such vibrant and expressive flavors.  If you are a fan of what Pinot Noir is meant to taste like, this is for you.

Donnachadh Sta. Rita Hilla Pinot Noir 2021 $34.99 compare at $40

95 Points Wine Advocate

“It has a pale ruby color and very pure, fragrant scents of cranberry, raspberry, strawberry, bergamot, tea leaves and herbs. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and wonderfully fresh, boasting concentrated red berry flavors, fine citrusy accents, and a long, ethereal finish. This really stands out for its detail and expression—it's as if the volume was turned up yet the definition preserved.”

If you would like to read more about the Chardonnay, please check out my blog…Pat's Pick- Donnachadh Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2021