Sandhi is the brainchild of sommelier-winemaker Raj Parr, who benefits from tips from his friend Jean-Marc Roulot of Meursault—and it shows. The 2011 Sandhi Rita’s Crown is a stunning Chardonnay, bursting from the glass with aromas of lemon oil, apple, wet rocks, spring flowers, a framing of vanilla oak and nutty suggestions of reduction. On the palate the wine is intensely concentrated with a lovely core of deep minerality and beautiful cut and focus. Drinking Window: 2016 - 2025
Tasted by: William Kelley
Part of William Kelley's top 10 American fine wines of 2015

Brilliant, the 2011 Chardonnay Rita’s Crown dishes up layers of citrus blossom, oyster shell, white flowers and a saline-like minerality that emerges more on the palate. It is a medium-bodied, gorgeously pure Chardonnay that has laser-like precision and focus. Don’t miss it. Drink 2014-2018.
These racy, energetic efforts are made by Sashi Moorman from their home base in Lompoc. Taking lightness to the extreme in some cases, these are nevertheless riveting wines. JD Aug 2013

Looking first at the white which will give you an idea how age-able California Chardonnay has become these days, the 2011 Chardonnay Rita’s Crown Vineyard is still youthful and vibrant, with terrific notes of buttered citrus, toasted almonds, honeysuckle, and distinct minerality. Possessing medium-bodied richness, bright, racy acidity, good concentration and terrific length, drink this beauty anytime over the coming decade or more. Aug 2017

Totally harmonious and inviting, the 2011 Chardonnay Rita's Crown wraps around the palate with orange blossom, Chamomile, mint and light honey. The Rita's Crown is highly reflective of the year, but at the same time has a little more depth, body and textural richness than the appellation Chardonnays. July 2013