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2023 Bentrock Vineyard Chardonnay

The vineyard-designated wines represent the distinct voices of Radian, Bentrock, and Puerta del Mar. They are singular, incredibly specific, focused expressions of each parcel of land. They express the very essence and nature of where the grapes are grown at our estate only a few miles from the cold Pacific Ocean. Bentrock is our vineyard of long, rolling hills and parcels that are protected from the rough maritime winds. Soils are poor and the temperature changes quickly from cold to warm. The wines are complex and opulent. Radian is our breathtaking high-altitude vineyard where whipping winds and diatomaceous earth-based soils predominate. The yields are tiny offering intensely concentrated and laser-focused wines. Puerta del Mar is the home of our winery and the westernmost point of our estate. A wild and windy vineyard that offers us wines with complexity and charm. These are ultimate wines of terroir.
Bentrock chardonnay
Earthy, herbal, spice-driven and full of stone fruit. Early season nectarine, truffle honey and golden Russett apple. This has the consistent power and density that is a hallmark of this hallowed vineyard. Honeysuckle and white peach. Juicy Anjou pear alongside a savory and chalky structural backbone. Gunflint and a touch of vanilla bean alongside lifted jasmine and chervil. Packed with energy and still very early in development. Perhaps the most inward and age worthy Bentrock to date. Unfurls slowly in the glass giving glimpses of its future potential. The texture and silky sensuality of this wine become very clear on days 2 and 3.

Matt Dees, Winemaker
Varietal:
Chardonnay
Vineyard:
Bentrock Vineyard
Ageing:
45% new French oak barrels, 55% once and twice used barrels for 11 months followed by 6 months in stainless tank with full lees.
Alcohol:
13.5
Case Production:
742
98 Points
Cristaldi & Co
Jonathan Cristaldi
97 Points
Vinous
Antonio Galloni
95 Points
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Jeb Dunnuck