Evan’s Ranch Caitlin’s Chardonnay is named for my daughter Caitlin, who is a fourth generation member of my family to be involved with our ranch and winery here in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
Caitlin’s vineyard benefits from marine breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean and boasts a soil type called Marina Sand. The Chardonnay we make from this block of grapes is distinguished stylistically from our other Evan’s Ranch Chardonnay, Las Brisas, by its impressive weight and richness, which contrasts with the lighter, crisper personality of Las Brisas.
This vintage of Caitlin's Chardonnay is made of 100% Clone 4. Clone 4 possesses a high concentration of malic acid and thus lends itself to a secondary, malolactic fermentation, which engenders the creamy, buttery character eblematic of Caitlin's Chardonnay. This is a complex Chardonnay whose lush fruit is enriched by 100% barrel and malolactic fermentation and surlie aging in barrel.
Our 2023 Caitlin's Chardonnay dazzles with vivid, creamy aromas of orange blossom, golden apple, mango, peach, and lemon curd augmented by scents of hazelnut, honey and vanilla. Mouthfilling and concentrated on the palate, its opulent honey, crème brulee, nectarine, lime and white peach flavors culminate in a long, mineral-y finish. With perfect structure and deep, luscious flavors balanced by vibrant acidity, this exceptional Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay, from a great vintage, is delicious now with a wide range of fish and fowl, but will continue evolving in bottle over the next 2-3 years from the date it was bottled.
Cheers!
Dan Gainey
Santa Ynez, California