2021 Bien Nacido Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard has delicate aromas of lemon peel, citrus blossom, bread dough and petrichor. The light-bodied palate surprises with its concentrated, honeyed fruits balanced by vibrant acidity. With a touch of chalkiness to its texture and a shimmery finish, it's reminiscent of Chablis.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard is fabulous. Creamy, rich and layered, the 2021 is exquisite. Lemon oil, white pepper, chalk and chamomile all meld together in a Chardonnay of unusual viscosity. Even with all of its intensity, the 2021 remains light on its feet. Gavin Chanin certainly made the most of this fruit. What a wine.
Coming from a great, great vineyard just outside of Santa Maria, the 2021 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard reveals a medium gold hue as well as brilliant aromatics of ripe pears, honeyed flowers, chalky minerality, and toasted nuts. With medium-bodied richness, its oak is beautifully integrated, and it has good acidity as well as a great finish. Another brilliant Chardonnay from Chanin, this will stand toe to toe with the best out there.
600 cases made. Due for release September 2023. Palest gold. Aromas of white flowers, lemon curd and a hint of toasted oak. Bright lemon-curd and grapefruit flavours shot through with a faint aroma of toasted oak. Hints of coconut and vanilla linger in the finish. There's a bit too much overt wood presence here at the moment, but that will likely integrate nicely in a couple of years. (AY)