Current Release
2024 Chardonnay, Bentrock 750ML
Bentrock is located at the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. Slightly lower in elevation than Radian, and slightly warmer, 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.
In 2024 we managed to bottle a small run of 75 cases of Bentrock. The 2024 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 3.33 with 6.3 g/l ta. These are extraordinary numbers, which reflect the chilly location and cool growing season. The wine was aged for 17 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 crystalline acidity. Incredibly long, we are just blown away by this wine.
Not yet rated, professional acclaim for the 2023 was overflowing. The 2023 was 95+ to 97 Points from top critics (97 from Billy Norris in Vinous). 2024 should perform similarly.
Extremely Limited. Only 75 Cases Produced.
In 2024 we managed to bottle a small run of 75 cases of Bentrock. The 2024 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 3.33 with 6.3 g/l ta. These are extraordinary numbers, which reflect the chilly location and cool growing season. The wine was aged for 17 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 crystalline acidity. Incredibly long, we are just blown away by this wine.
Not yet rated, professional acclaim for the 2023 was overflowing. The 2023 was 95+ to 97 Points from top critics (97 from Billy Norris in Vinous). 2024 should perform similarly.
Extremely Limited. Only 75 Cases Produced.
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Wine Style | White Wine |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Size | 750 ml |