93 points The Tasting Panel: "Winemaker Wes Hagen has the Midas touch when it comes to showing why Santa Maria is a stellar home for this golden variety. Aromas of wispy lime chiffon and flan are light and lovely. The palate offers salty notes of chamomile and honeysuckle joined by apple tart midway; fermentation in 100% stainless steel makes it clean and focused, with balanced acidity and tremendous grace. (Jan/Feb 2021)"
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Lime peel, green pear, lemongrass and wet river stone combine for an inviting and complex nose. There is strong chalky tension to the palate, where a flavor of Key lime pie is wrapped in bright acid. Alcohol 13.5%. (Mar 2019)"
90 points Jeb Dunnuck: "[$25 list] The 2018 Chardonnay J. Wilkes Santa Maria Valley (which includes a splash of Pinot Blanc) was aged 8 months in 25% new French oak. It offers an exotic bouquet of quince and honeydew melon as well as some sappy flower notes, medium-bodied richness, a solid, balanced texture, and a good finish. It's not the most complex Chardonnay out there, but it's a good value. (8/4/20)"
90 points Wine & Spirits: "[$25 list] Scents of honeysuckle and jasmine are framed with a pleasingly sour lees note. The wine is balanced and quiet, with earthy contours and mild citrus tang; for whitefish. (Oct 2020)"
Producer notes: "[$25 list] Complex aromas of lime blossom, green apple, browned butter, ripe pear and hints of clean ocean air. 2018 was one of the longest, coolest growing seasons in almost a decade allowing the wine to be both restrained and incredibly flavorful. Concentrated fruit and minerals show on the mid-palate with a lively and bright finish. Food Pairing: Will match with both delicate and rich dishes - Shrimp tempura, Caesar salad or hard ripe cheese. Alcohol 13.5%."
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Lime peel, green pear, lemongrass and wet river stone combine for an inviting and complex nose. There is strong chalky tension to the palate, where a flavor of Key lime pie is wrapped in bright acid. Alcohol 13.5%. (Mar 2019)"
90 points Jeb Dunnuck: "[$25 list] The 2018 Chardonnay J. Wilkes Santa Maria Valley (which includes a splash of Pinot Blanc) was aged 8 months in 25% new French oak. It offers an exotic bouquet of quince and honeydew melon as well as some sappy flower notes, medium-bodied richness, a solid, balanced texture, and a good finish. It's not the most complex Chardonnay out there, but it's a good value. (8/4/20)"
90 points Wine & Spirits: "[$25 list] Scents of honeysuckle and jasmine are framed with a pleasingly sour lees note. The wine is balanced and quiet, with earthy contours and mild citrus tang; for whitefish. (Oct 2020)"
Producer notes: "[$25 list] Complex aromas of lime blossom, green apple, browned butter, ripe pear and hints of clean ocean air. 2018 was one of the longest, coolest growing seasons in almost a decade allowing the wine to be both restrained and incredibly flavorful. Concentrated fruit and minerals show on the mid-palate with a lively and bright finish. Food Pairing: Will match with both delicate and rich dishes - Shrimp tempura, Caesar salad or hard ripe cheese. Alcohol 13.5%."
| Product SKU | 337744 |
| Producer | J. Wilkes |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| SubRegion | Central Coast |
| Appellation | Santa Maria Valley |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| Blend | 98.5% Chardonnay, 1.5% Pinot Blanc |
| ABV | 13.5% |
| Ships To |
