Current Release
2023 Chardonnay, Bentrock 750ML
Bentrock Vineyard is the sister vineyard to Radian, located at the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. Slightly lower in elevation than Radian, and a little warmer from slightly less wind, the vineyard features clay and chert in its rocky, north facing Chardonnay blocks. The Chardonnay here is truly exceptional, among the best anywhere, with mighty fruit components balanced by dramatic, powerful acidity. It is the best of both worlds and it has been the backbone of the Black Label program for years.
In 2023 yields were sufficient (barely) to allow us (for the first time ever) to bottle a small run of 70 cases (and to provide grapes for the Black Label Chardonnay). The 2023 wine was barrel fermented by native yeasts in top quality French oak barrels, 33% new. The resulting wine went through full native malolactic fermentation in barrel, arriving at a finished pH of 3.28 with 6.6 g/l ta. These are extraordinary, dare we say Burgundian numbers. The wine was aged for 16 months on its lees, without stirring, before selection, blending and bottling. The wine is intensely driven, with middleweight tropical and green fruit flavors, a powerful mineral spine, and a whiplash of incisive acidity. Incredibly long, we are just blown away by this wine.
Extremely Limited. Only 70 Cases Produced.
In 2023 yields were sufficient (barely) to allow us (for the first time ever) to bottle a small run of 70 cases (and to provide grapes for the Black Label Chardonnay). The 2023 wine was barrel fermented by native yeasts in top quality French oak barrels, 33% new. The resulting wine went through full native malolactic fermentation in barrel, arriving at a finished pH of 3.28 with 6.6 g/l ta. These are extraordinary, dare we say Burgundian numbers. The wine was aged for 16 months on its lees, without stirring, before selection, blending and bottling. The wine is intensely driven, with middleweight tropical and green fruit flavors, a powerful mineral spine, and a whiplash of incisive acidity. Incredibly long, we are just blown away by this wine.
Extremely Limited. Only 70 Cases Produced.
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Wine Style | White Wine |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Size | 750 ml |