Chardonnay

“Winemaker Jonathan Houston picks early, and it shows in his Chardonnay, looking to preserve the acidity and brilliance of the region’s minerality. He hyper-oxidises this and ferments in about 15% new French oak barrels with heavy lees for 11 months. Tons of freshness and linear character with salty and juicy Meyer lemon pulp, Bright, fresh, and jumping with shining citrus fruits, concentrated citrus oils, and a linear mineral finish.”
– 94 Points, Decanter, Clive Pursehouse, March 2026

Tondré Alarid established a vineyard on his family’s historic ranch in Monterey’s Santa Lucia Highlands. In the hands of his son Joe Alarid, the estate has become one of the S.L.H.’s best-known properties. The Highlands’ sparse mountainside soils and windy Monterey Bay-influenced climate produce some of the country’s best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The combination of a perfect site and meticulous farming makes for truly great wines.

91 Points, Wine Enthusiast

The Sarah's Estate Chardonnay is our most historic wine. From our very first vintages in the late 1970's, this label has been responsible for our world-class reputation growing this noble grape.

91 Points, Wine Enthusiast

Tangerine sorbet aromas are topped with toasted almond flake and dusty earth on the nose of this bottling. There's a lemon peel bite to the baked apple core of the palate.  — Matt Kettmann

91 Points, Vinous

The 2023 Chardonnay Tondré Grapefield is meaningfully better than the 2022 tasted last year, a testament to both a more favorable growing season and improvements that Jonathan Houston is making in the winery. Sweet orchard fruit, toasted hazelnut and mint expand as the 2023 sweeps across the palate. The nicely detailed finish is a bonus. Well done. - Billy Norris, July 2025

Tondré Alarid established a vineyard on his family’s historic ranch in Monterey’s Santa Lucia Highlands. In the hands of his son Joe Alarid, the estate has become one of the S.L.H.’s best known properties. The Highlands’ sparse mountainside soils and windy Monterey Bay-influenced climate produce some of the country’s best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The combination of a perfect site and meticulous farming makes for truly great wines.

The Sarah's Estate Chardonnay is our most historic wine. From our very first vintages in the late 1970's, this label has been responsible for our world-class reputation growing this noble grape.