95 Points -
"I always seem to find a tropical slant in Chardonnay from Carneros, and the 2018 Chardonnay Sevens Bench Vineyard has it in spades, with ample pineapple, honeyed peach, pear, and toasted spice-like aromas and flavors. This is another balanced, rich, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay from this estate that's loaded with character. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years. " - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2021
Tasting Notes
True to its Carneros roots, the 2018 Sevens Bench Chardonnay carries the hallmark of the region – fruit intensity balanced by and 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 characters inherent to the region and the clonal selections. Barrel fermentation notes in the background add even more complexity to this elegant wine.
Historic Acclaim
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
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 a 200-foot elevation. This block is part of an uplifted riverbed, which 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 two clones planted on our blocks: Clone 27 (Mount Eden). The other field selections are Calaera, 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, 18% new
Time in oak: 15 months
Alcohol: 14.1%
TA: 5.3 g/L
pH: 3.44
Yeast: Native
Cases produced: 262
No fining or filtration