2017 Bien Nacido Chardonnay

Appellation

Santa Maria Valley

Varietal

Chardonnay

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Wine Advocate

Vineyard Sources

100% Bien Nacido Vineyard (Block M) located in the Santa Maria Valley

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged for 9 months in 36% new French oak

Cooperage

Mercurey, Sirugue

Technical Data

Composition

100% Chardonnay

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.618 g/100mL

3.3

Harvest Brix

22.9

Harvest Date

9/27/17

Production

265 cases

Description

Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Chardonnay by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. We have worked with fruit from this historically famous vineyard since 1990; the results have been fabulous!

This Chardonnay is generous in texture but balanced by bright acidity. You will find aromas of pear, baked pineapple and graham cracker on the nose. The palate is expansive yet focused with forward tropical fruit flavors backed by attractive mineral and vanilla notes adding complexity. Enjoy!

Wine Critic Reviews

"...distinguished in this range by its creamy, enveloping personality. Dried flowers, mint, lemon confit, ripe pear, hazelnut and spice are some of the many notes that infuse this open-knit, expressive Chardonnay. All the elements meld together effortlessly in a delicious, inviting Chardonnay to savor over the next few years." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Sandalwood, sea salt, singed lemon and creamy poached pome fruits show on the nose of this bottling. There is a great sizzle of acidity to the sip, where flavors of lemon juice and kumquat are framed in a chalky tension." ~ Wine Enthusiast "Layers of rich apple pastry and pear tart flavors are matched to luscious tropical fruit accents in this open-textured style. Offers a plush, spicy finish. Drink now through 2024." ~ Wine Spectator "Restrained on the nose, the 2017 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard slowly reveals acacia, toast, lemon pith, white peach and red apple scents. Medium to full-bodied, it offers good intensity of honeyed/savory fruits and tangy acidity to carry the citrus-laced finish." ~ Wine Advocate