2016 Stonestreet Chardonnay Gravel Bench
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Tasting notes
Aged 11 months in 100% new Côte d'Or French oak, the 2016 Chardonnay Gravel Bench Vineyard gives up alluring lemon curd, warm peaches and honey toast scents with suggestions of allspice, crushed cashews, mandarin peel and jasmine. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals tons of savory and spicy nuances with a racy line lifting the peachy core to a long, chalky finish. 297 cases produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The only block that doesn't get afternoon sun and from gravely soils, the 2016 Chardonnay Gravel Bench (aged all in new barrels) boasts a medium gold color as well as classic spiced orchard fruits, buttered citrus, charcoal, and hints of white flowers. It's concentrated, has beautiful purity, integrated acidity, and a good finish. It has absorbed its oak beautifully. Stonestreet falls under the Jackson Family umbrella and focuses on higher elevation, mountain sites. The wines, made by Lisa Valtenbergs, are rock-solid across the board.
The 2016 Chardonnay Gravel Bench Vineyard is dense, powerful and smoky, with impeccable balance and tons of class. Ripe apricot, peach, chamomile, dried flowers and mint develop in the glass, but like the best Stonestreet wines, the Gravel Bench is mostly about texture. This is a terrific showing.