2018 Stonestreet Chardonnay Gravel Bench
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The 2018 Chardonnay Gravel Bench Vineyard is a dense, inward wine. It is also one of the more closed wines in the lineup. This rugged site yields a Chardonnay of notable character, but not a lot of immediate appeal. Readers will find a Chardonnay that is intensely savory, mineral and structured. The 100% new oak is not all evident.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2018 Chardonnay Gravel Bench Vineyard was aged for 10 months in 100% new French oak. A little closed to begin, it soon opens out to reveal citrus fruit notions of lemon tart and lime cordial with a hint of yuzu, followed by pear drops and nutmeg with a waft of toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully generous with a satiny texture and a lively line leading to long, spicy finish. 240 cases were made.
The only white brought up all in new oak, the 2018 Chardonnay Gravel Bench Vineyard comes from a higher elevation site and was fermented and aged 11 months in 100% new French oak. There are a scant 244 cases produced. This Burgundian styled effort offers a rich, opulent, full-bodied style as well as ample sautéed apple, white flowers, gunpowder, and rocky mineral aromas and flavors. While all of these 2018s have more moderate, integrated acidity, the wines stay light and elegant on the palate and hold onto a terrific sense of tension and freshness. It's a terrific combination, and the wines drink beautifully today (as do just about every 2018 Chardonnay out there), yet my money is on these aging beautifully as well.