Among the many great winemakers from Burgundy who have landed on the West Coast and are making wine here, the most exciting of all might be a relatively recent arrival, Etienne de Montille of Domaine de Montille and Château Puligny-Montrachet. His wines are sought after by all those who love Burgundy, especially fellow winemakers.

When Etienne decided to make wine out west, he took a road trip with his Chef du Cave, Brian Sieve. Focusing their efforts on the cool climate sites, they started in the Willamette Valley, worked their way down the Sonoma Coast through the Santa Cruz Mountains and ended their journey in Santa Barbara. Of all the sites they explored, soil and climatic conditions they witnessed and wines they tasted, it was Santa Rita Hills north of Santa Barbara where they saw the most potential.

The other draw to this area was the tremendous talent of Tyler Winery's Justin Willett. Along with Rodolphe Peters of Pierre Peters, the four joined forces in a new project they call Racines. Racines is French for "roots", but the seeds for this project were planted a few years back. Raj Parr introduced Justin to Etienne in 2012 and a few years later, Justin found himself in Burgundy tasting with Montille's cellar manager Brian Sieve.

The two became fast friends and also started a regular correspondence to exchange advice during harvests. Fast forward a few years - Etienne and Brian approached Justin to partner in their US project. Étienne brought along Rodolphe Péters of Champagne Pierre Peters, who wanted to start a sparkling wine venture in the US - and the rest is history. 2017 was their inaugural vintage.

Fast forward to today and Racines has already left an indelible stamp on the California wine scene.. The application of Burgundian winemaking with the cool climate and limestone rich soils of the Santa Rita Hills produces something that lies in that magical spot between California and Cote d’Or. The wines are savory and brooding yet delicate and driven by minerality. Whether Pinot, Chardonnay or their Blanc de Blanc, each is layered and complex with the ability to age while being poised, elegant and delicious in their youth.
The superstars behind Racines are marrying the time-honored techniques of Burgundy and Champagne with the pioneering energy of California and in the process, they are rediscovering the nuances of the Sta. Rita Hills' most iconic vineyards. Grab some of these rare treasures now at some of the nation's best prices.

Racines, Grand Reserve Sparkling Chardonnay [2018 Base], NV $74.99
The Racines Grand Reserve cuvée is a sparkling Blanc de Blanc traditional method consisting of 100% Chardonnay. The 2018 vintage base also includes 15% Reserve wines from the 2017 harvest, and blends various terroirs from the Sta Rita Hills. This wine is sourced from Wenzlau Family Vineyard, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and Bentrock Vineyard. The varying soil types of these three distinct sites lend to an elegant, expressive wine with great minerality and length. This is a wine that takes time to open up so be patient. Your reward will be layers of rich fruit and minerality. Rudoplh Peters’ talent shines through in its fine and delicate mouse, an intense mid-pallet and a long finish.

Racines, Sta Rita Hills Chardonnay, 2019 $54.99
The 2019 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills cuvée is a wonderful wine and a terrific introduction to the Racines Chardonnays. Creamy and layered in the glass, the 2019 has so much to offer. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks lend brightness and energy. The Sta. Rita Hills cuvée is one of the hidden gems in the range. Vineyard sources are mostly Wenzlau with a touch of Domaine de la Côte.- Vinous

Racines Sta Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2019 $54.99
The 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is an attractive, ethereal wine. Sweet dried cherry, mint, tobacco and sage are some of the aromas and flavors that open in the glass. I would give this a few years in bottle to soften. This is an especially savory style of Pinot with plenty of aromatic presence, and the fruit pushed into the background. The Sta. Rita Hills cuvée is a blend of fruit from Domaine de la Côte and La Encantada. - Vinious