Bien Nacido Estate Chardonnay 2017

Professional Ratings

• 96 Wine Enthusiast

  Delicate and yet laser-focused on the nose, this tremendous bottling from a historic property offers wet chalk and exotic lime aromas. There is a great grip to the tense palate, where a chalky texture delivers flavors of toast, white peach and a light brush of butter. It's clean and crisp yet consequential.

• 94 Tasting Panel
  The aromas of lanolin and vanilla wafers grab you and hold you, urging on to a tightrope of acidity that stretches across the mouth, teetering on edgy. Crispy and vibrant with flavors of dried sage, cashew, and lime. Brioche notes lengthen the finish
• 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2017 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard comes from own rooted, 45-year-old vines planted in shale. It's youthfully coiled and very minerally on the nose, with just-ripe aromas of quince, Bosc pear, citrus blossom, baker's yeast and saline plus hazelnut and toasty notions. Medium-bodied, it has a slightly rounded texture, intense fruits and great minerality, supported by tangy acidity and finishing long and textured.
• 92 Jeb Dunnuck
  The 2017 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley is a racy, juicy effort that has loads of salted citrus, grapefruit, and white flower aromas and flavors. With medium body, good acidity, and a clean, balanced style, this racy effort is going to put on weight over the next year or two and keep for upwards of a decade.
• 91 Wine & Spirits
  From vines planted on sandy shale soils in 1973, this racy chardonnay is a study in tartness, with notes of lemon-spritzed green apple and green almonds, laser-like acids and an assertive, lean texture. It should age well, though it’s also delicious now, with mussels.
• 90 Wine Spectator
  Smoky richness envelops the well-structured pear, apple and ripe tangerine flavors, backed by crisp acidity. Jasmine and honeysuckle notes show on the finish. Drink now through 2024.