Test
Producer | Benovia |
Country | United States |
Region | California |
Subregion | Russian River Valley |
Varietal | Chardonnay |
Vintage | 2021 |
Sku | 23202 |
Size | 750ml |
Harvest Notes
The 2021 vintage was welcomed by winemakers and growers after a difficult and challenging prior vintage. Our third drought year in a row, 2021 began with the driest winter on record in the last 127 years and can be best described as a cold start to a warm and fast finish. As a result, our vineyard team implemented several water conservation efforts, including cultivation and repeated early irrigation. With the dry spring conditions, grapevines came out of dormancy early and the mild spring temperatures set a very modest crop. The low yields and drought conditions made for an early and quick harvest of excellent quality.
Winegrower Notes
The Chardonnay is now sourced from our Martaella Estate Vineyard and Tilton Hill Vineyards. We have planted heirloom clones of Chardonnay that retain bright acidity and express beautiful floral and mineral notes. The low-fertility soils and the cool temperatures, in this part of the Russian River Valley, unite to form an ideal place for growing Chardonnay. The fruit was harvested at night then gently whole-cluster pressed. After settling overnight, the juice was fermented in barrel with indigenous yeast.
Tasting Notes
This lively Chardonnay is bursting with aromas of citrus blossom, yellow Mellon, and white peach. The nose is filled with sun-ripened apricot and white peach, knit together by balanced acidity and a long-complex finish. Barrel fermentation and oak aging for 13 months have added hints of toasted almond, and spice cake to a subtle minerality on the finish. This dynamic Chardonnay will drink well upon release and will improve with a year or two in the bottle.
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