Racines is a collaboration between two classic houses and vignerons from France – Étienne de Montille of Burgundy and Rodolphe Péters of Champagne. They came together to join their experiences in hand-crafting wines of purity and transparency to create a range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the cool climate of the Sta. Rita Hills in California. The wines are elegant and terroir-driven.

VM91: The 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée is bright and beautifully focused. Citrus, white flowers, slate and white pepper are all beautifully delineated throughout. The clean, saline finish is a thing of beauty. The Cuvée is a blend from La Rinconanda, Wenzlau and Bentrock. I very much admire the energy here.