96pts Vinous

The 2022 Chardonnay Golden Slope is easily one of the best wines of this very challenging vintage. Hailing from a mix of vineyards in Sta Rita Hills (Rita’s Crown, Clos Pepe, Bentrock and Hilltop), the 2022 explodes with palate-staining mineral intensity and tons of energy. Lemon peel, chalk, mint and white flowers all saturate the palate. What a wine.

93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Aged for 15 months in 15% new puncheons, the 2022 Chardonnay Golden Slope offers elegantly rich aromas of toasted hazelnuts, popcorn kernels and butterscotch. On the palate, it is texturally generous and honeyed while remaining admirably focused, finishing with a lovely balance between oak-tinged power and high-toned energy. This walks the line between contemporary and classic California Chardonnay admirably well.

93pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Chardonnay Golden Slope (15% new oak) is similarly hued and has a beautiful nose of crisp stone fruits, crushed stone, white flowers, and subtle spicy notes. I love its purity and precision, and this medium-bodied, focused, elegant Chardonnay is going to age gracefully for 7-8 years, if not longer.

Winemaker Notes

When putting together the final blend for the Golden Slope, Liquid Farm is looking for barrels exhibiting a bit more richness and depth than the White Hill. Once those barrels are identified we introduce about 15% new French Oak and age the wine for 15 months prior to bottling.