2022 Bien Nacido Chardonnay

Appellation

Santa Maria Valley

Varietal

Chardonnay

Wine Spectator

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

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

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged for 8 months in 33% new French oak

Cooperage

Sirugue, Damy

Technical Data

Composition

100% Chardonnay

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.640 g/100mL

3.21

Harvest Brix

21.4

Harvest Date

10/14/22

Production

146 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

"Orchard fruits, salted citrus, and minty, floral notes all emerge from the 2022 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard, a classic Bien Nacido Chardonnay with its salty, mineral character. It has nicely integrated oak and is impeccably made. It should have 4-6 years of prime drinking, if not more." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "...a classy, elegant wine. Lemon peel, mint, white flowers and crushed rocks lend notable verve and freshness throughout. This airy, taut Bien Nacido Chardonnay is terrific. The only thing missing is a bit more mid-palate pliancy. Despite the late harvest (October 14), intense heat prior to that blocked maturation." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Apple, citrus, pear and tropical notes are fresh and lively on a sleek frame. A touch of vanilla bean and salted caramel lingers on the finish, where everything is harmonious and intense." ~ Wine Spectator