97pts Jeb Dunnuck

From a great site outside of Santa Maria, the 2020 Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard is another ripe, powerful Chardonnay revealing musky notes of melon, honeyed lemon, toasted bread, and hints of almond paste and chalky minerality. Full-bodied, concentrated, and layered on the palate, it stays remarkably light on its feet, has good acidity, and a great finish that picks up some classic Santa Maria salinity and minerality.

96pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2020 Chardonnay le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard has a pleasantly old-school style, with ripe aromas of apricot, apple pie, nutmeg and jasmine. The full-bodied palate is ripe, concentrated and satiny with seamless acidity and creamy banana touches on the long finish. It comes from 27-year-old Wente clone vines and matured for 16 months in 45% new French oak. Best After 2022.

Winemaker Notes

This intriguing and mineral-driven wine is defined by tension and balance. Le Souvenir opens with vibrant Hawthorne flowers, crushed rock, and key lime pie. The palate offers a steely entry of high-toned acidity and follow-through, marked by Meyer lemon zest and lime rind. The crisp and bright flavors linger for one of the lengthiest finishes in the lineup.

 Appellation: Santa Maria Valley