Pence Massale Estate Chardonnay 2019 Magnum

Grape: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2019
Type: White

This white wine is Pence Ranch's massale-selection chardonnay, grown in the Sta. Rita Hills from vine material propagated cutting by cutting from older plantings rather than a single clonal source. A massale selection carries more genetic variation into the vineyard than a standard clone, which shows up as complexity in the glass rather than uniformity. The estate farms the site itself, on a ranch that predates most of the appellation's newer vineyards.

It displays a pale gold color, opening with citrus, white flower, and a faint saline note typical of the Sta. Rita Hills. On the palate, the medium-bodied frame is bright and layered, balancing orchard and citrus fruit against a mineral, coastal-influenced structure. Acidity runs high, keeping the wine lifted despite its texture. A subtle richness fills the middle without turning heavy, closer to Chablis in spirit than to a riper California chardonnay. It finishes long and clean.