Laetitia Estate

Almond and limoncello aromas join on the nose of this estate bottling, which also has sea salt and dried apple elements. A tense frame and fresh acidity welcome the palate, where orange rind, dried apple and dried lemon flavors arise.

Winemaker Eric Hickey has a deft hand when it comes to the estate fruit at Laetitia, which grows just a few miles off the Pacific Ocean south of Pismo Beach. It’s a cool spot suited to Chardonnay’s fruitier side, and Mr. Hickey again manages it well, with mostly neutral oak letting the pear and apple fruit speak clearly, and 25% new oak adding just the right amount of texture and spice. I’m always amazed that Laetitia stays somewhat off the radar — it’s one of my go-to producers for value for my wine dollar.