— 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay “相思”
This Chardonnay from Monterey Coast spent 11 months aging in French oak, with 15% new barrels enhancing its delicate structure. This vintage shows a vibrant freshness with a lower alcohol profile, underscored by gentle hints of oak and a fine chalky minerality.
About this wine
Named “Xiang Si” (相思), meaning “to cherish and remember those close to our hearts,” this Chardonnay is a celebration of connection and support. The cooler 2021 vintage brings a bright, refined elegance to the wine, with layers of beeswax, honey, and a subtle touch of oak. A refreshing minerality weaves through the palate, balanced by a gentle hint of chalk and rounded out by fresh acidity. This Chardonnay is crafted with care, embodying both a sense of lightness and warmth—a wine that invites reflection and appreciation for those who guide us along our path.
Winemaker’s tasting notes
The 2021 Chardonnay shares notes of beeswax and honey with the 2020, but it is a little more restrained. The alcohol is slightly lower than in the 2020 vintage, which is to be expected in a cooler harvest. The wine presents a bright and fresh profile. There’s a hint of oak in the aromatics and a pleasant chalky minerality on the mid-palate.
Pairs well with
Cantonese-style Steamed Scallops, Poached Chicken with Ginger, Stir-fried Prawns in Garlic, Lobster Congee. The 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay “相思” (Xiang Si) pairs beautifully with a range of refined Chinese dishes that enhance its bright, fresh profile and subtle oak influence. Try it with Cantonese-style steamed scallops, where the wine’s minerality complements the delicate sweetness of the shellfish and a touch of garlic and soy sauce. Its balanced acidity and restrained oak make it an excellent companion to poached chicken with ginger scallion sauce, allowing the wine’s honeyed notes to play off the aromatic herbs. Pair it with stir-fried prawns in a light garlic sauce or a rich lobster congee, where the Chardonnay’s refreshing acidity and hint of beeswax enhance the luxurious texture of the dish. These dishes create a harmonious pairing with “Xiang Si,” elevating both the wine and the meal into a shared, memorable experience.