2019 Vinos Finos de California Chardonnay Lasai Santa Lucia Highlands 750 ml

“A Meursault-like opulence turned up to 11.”

That’s how Decanter describes the 2019 Lasai in their 95-point review. But make no mistake: Despite the well-deserved comparisons to the world’s most hallowed Chardonnay region, this wine is California sunshine, through and through—a product of Ted Glennon’s devotion to the state’s historic vineyards.

This is a delightfully balanced wine, with rich texture and laser-focused acidity. Lasai boasts power and refinement, but doesn’t tip the scale too far in either direction, showing a chalky minerality that underpins notes of baked apple, lemon curd, and brioche. It’s “a wine of clarity, precision, energy, and tension,” says Decanter. “A masterful expression.” 

From the Escolle Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, this Chardonnay developed its tightrope-walk of richness and acidic energy over sunny mornings and afternoon breezes off Monterey Bay. Curiously enough, it was initially earmarked for a sparkling wine, until Ted Glennon made the call to bottle it still. And it was a bit of genius foresight. 

We’ve known Ted for years. He made his name about a decade ago, when he was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Sommeliers of the Year. Since transitioning from dining room to cellar, he’s earned massive fans: Most of his wines are snapped up by Michelin-starred restaurants and ultra-selective wine bars.

Vinos Finos de California is Glennon’s project celebrating historic vineyards and a time when all California wines weren’t necessarily bruising powerhouses. He’s a native of Monterey, and thanks to his long career in the industry, he’s got insider access to some of the Central Coast’s best under-the-radar vineyards.

He’s brought those connections to bear in the 2019 Lasai: a beautiful, opulent, and expertly balanced Chardonnay.