This packs in some serious plum compote and cassis flavors, liberally wrapped in dark licorice and finishing with a swath of sweet toast and tobacco on the broad finish. Nice mineral underpinning keeps it honest. Fairly accessible despite its heft.
From six special acres in the heart of the Grace Benoist Ranch, Etude Estate Chardonnay is truly representative of all that is captivating about Carneros. A delightful expression of Chardonnay, that is elegant and restrained, crafted with the intention to showcase the fruit and terroir, so there is no malolactic fermentation and the lightest touch of oak. Intriguing aromas of white floral blossom, citrus and toast pique interest, while layered flavors of stone-fruit, citrus peel, Golden Delicious apple and Honeydew melon are interwoven together, demonstrating a sinuously savory minerality, a signature from Grace Benoist Ranch. Abundant mouth-watering acidity, balanced with tremendous structure and a soft, round texture all enhance this “whisper of a Chardonnay”, and are hallmarks of the classic signature of this wine each vintage.
It must be difficult being Cloudy Bay, because fame brings extra scrutiny and the question, ‘Does this brand offer value for money in the context of the wider region?’ In 2023, the Sauvignon Blanc silences its critics. Its vineyard may be much larger than...
Key vineyards: Widows, Motukawa and Estate. Hand-picked selected lots within blocks. They're looking for the older vines. Less new oak than there used to be (though there is some sweet oakiness) and less ripe fruit. They start the ambient-yeast ferment in...
I recently tasted a 2006 Pinot Noir from magnum (although whether a magnum format is relevant under screw cap is to be discussed) at the estate in September 2023, and the wine was superb. It was aging slowly and still exhibited loads of fresh fruit, but i...