Winemaker Notes
This estate Chardonnay is a beautiful example of everything Carneros has to offer. Lively, fresh, and vibrant, this Chardonnay is truly exemplary of elegance and grace, crafted intentionally to showcase the expressive fruit and terroir, so there is no malolactic fermentation, and a delicate touch of oak. Lifted floral notes of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, and vanilla, waft from the fragrant bouquet, while flavors of zesty, fresh-cut apple, honeydew melon, Bartlett pair, and graham cracker pie crust, intermingle on the palate. Luscious and creamy in texture, with a stony minerality, and pleasing freshness, a signature from Grace Benoist Ranch, demonstrates a lovely, mouth-watering backbone of crisp acidity. The finish is clean and long, delighting the palate, and inviting sip after sip.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Flinty with lightly dried apple and hints of white blossom and minerals. Medium to full body that sneaks up on your palate, starting off minerally and then finishes with a round texture and the richness of light cream and yoghurt. Lovely layers here. No malolactic.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.