True to its Carneros roots, the 2020 Sevens Bench Chardonnay carries the hallmark of the region – fruit intensity balanced by good acidity. The aromas are driven by classic lemon drop, Meyer lemon and lemongrass. That fruit style follows in the flavors, with the citrus focus carrying through with candied lemon drop balanced by the mineral and flint characteristics inherent to the region and the clonal selections. Barrel fermentation notes in the background add even more complexity to this elegant wine. —Jeff Stewart & Tiaan Lordan, Winemakers
Tasting Notes
True to its Carneros roots, the 2020 Sevens Bench Chardonnay carries the hallmark of the region – fruit intensity balanced by good acidity. The aromas are driven by classic lemon drop, Meyer lemon, and lemongrass. That fruit style follows in the flavors, with the citrus focus carrying through with candied lemon drop balanced by the mineral and flint characteristics inherent to the region and the clonal selections. Barrel fermentation notes in the background add even more complexity to this elegant wine.
Historic Acclaim
2019: 96 Points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, July 2022
2019: 94 Points, E.B., Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, July 2022
2019: 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, August 2022
2018: 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2021
2018: 94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jan 2021
2018: 94 Points, L.P.-B., Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, February 2021
2017: 94 Points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, October 2020
2017: 94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, May 2020
2017: 93 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2020
2017: 93 Points L.P.-B., Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, February 2020
2016: 94 Points L.P.-B., Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, October 2018
2015: 91-93 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2017
Vineyard & Vintage Character
The Chardonnays from 2020 are bright, complex, and layered. Intensive farming and low yields are the foundations of our Carneros Chardonnay offering. The two blocks farmed for this wine are on a bench with classic Haire Clay Loam soils, and on a ridge at 200-foot elevation, part of an uplifted riverbed that allows good drainage in the traditional clay-based soils of the region.
The name Sevens Bench is derived from our historical name for our Carneros Pinot Noir and one of the clones planted on our blocks: Clone 27 (Mount Eden). The other field selections are Calera, Batto and Entav 809. The Carneros AVA produces Chardonnay with beautiful lemon drop characters and a rich, unctuous mouthfeel.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak, 21% new
Time in oak: 15 months
Alcohol: 14.6%
TA: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.41
Yeast: Native
Cases produced: 206
No fining or filtration