Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Chalk, ash and brisk lime aromas show on the nose of this bottling by Raj Parr and Sashi Moorman, which wraps a tight mineral-driven frame around explosive energy. The stony aspects dominate the sip as well, from a chalky texture to a flinty flavor, yet there are also touches of lemon zest and lemongrass.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Chardonnay Bentrock opens with a touch of gunflint and smoke, giving way to acacia, red apple skin, warm hay, pie crust and quince with white peach and crushed stone plus a creamy yogurt note. Light to medium-bodied, it has a good core of savory fruit with tangy acidity and a long, lively and textured finish.
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.
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.