2022 Talbott 'Sleepy Hollow' Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands
Wisps of lemon zest and Tahitian vanilla conjure hints of meringue clouds dotted with lemon curd. The mouthfeel is silky with touches of salinity. Bright layers of sliced apple and pear supported by toasted brioche lift the fruit, leading to a long, lingering finish with a touch of rich caramel.
James Suckling
Winemaker Kamee Knutson calls this wine a village blend from all three parts of the 560-acre Sleepy Hollow Vineyard. Full-bodied, moderately oaky, well balanced and mouth-filling, with a third new oak showing through as light toast, butter and almond accents over tropical fruit, pears and apples. Drink now or hold.
Vinous
The 2022 Chardonnay Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is a richer, more forward style of Chardonnay. A lovely hug of spicy French oak wraps around a sweet, ripe pear fruit core. Textural intensity is the order of the day-- this wine spent much of its maturation on the lees which softened its edges in a really pleasant fashion. A forgivable tick of heat emerges on the finish, but this is attractive enough to look past that.