2018 Simon Bize Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc -
Light gold color. Aromas quite (but not too) ripe, with pear, floral and coriander seed notes. This is fairly rich and full-bodied, with just enough acidity to balance somewhat buttery flavors and texture. A nice wine that is probably fully mature. Rated 89.
2018 Sandar & Hem Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains ‘Bruzzone Vineyard’ -
Much lighter color, almost water-white. More intense, balanced aromas, lemon, conifer, mineral, ginger. Also better intensity on the palate, brilliant and youthful with vivid acidity. The flavors follow the aromas, very nice piquancy, excellent subtlety, almost vibrates. Rated 93.5, probably at a peak it should hold for at least 5 years.
This is the best Chardonnay I’ve had from this producer.
Interesting to see how differently the 2018s are showing, Bize sounds nicely mature and rounded, while the Sandar & Hem seem much more vibrant and precise. Haven’t tried anything from Bruzzone Vineyard yet, but now I’m curious.
Sandar & Hem is a terrific producer, great quality and value.
They deserve a lot more attention, but it’s also a great opportunity to get in on wines that compare well to things that cost 50-100% more from other producers.
Bruzzone was my favorite Sandar & Hem white… bummer that it’s not around anymore. Rob sacrificed one of the last 2019(?) bottles from his library at the May pickup, and it was as great as ever. Here’s a note from an earlier post on the subject: TN: 2019 Sandar & Hem Chardonnay Bald Mountain Santa Cruz Mountains
Unfortunately the Bruzzone family ripped out the Chardonnaay and re-planted with Pinot Noir. There is no more Bruzzone chardonnay from any producer. 2018 - 2020 was it for Sandar and Hem.
Bruzzone is one of my favorites from Sandar and Hem.
If you like the Bruzzone, I can recommend the Sandar and Hem “Bald Mountain” and most recently the Sandar and Hem “Chesnut Hill” vineyard. To me this is reductive and pure sexy white burgundian style chardonnay.
The Bald Mountain is currently sold out but there are more vintages in barrel.
I’m also very partial to the 2021/2022 LeBoeuf Vineyard Chardonnay. This wine has a beautiful nose of orange blossom and vibrant acidity. Old vines planted in 1974 organically grown and farmed by Sandar and Hem. (I helped farm this site).
I am confused on the 2020 Bruzonne. You say it wasn’t made yet there is a wine enthusiast review on the wine and it is noted in this thread.
I checked my cellar and I don’t have any but did have both 18 & 19 adding to my confusion as I assumed if it was made I would have a bottle or two. Is it possible that it was made but never released?