Benziger’s Carneros Chardonnay is made from organically grown fruit from one block in the Sangiacomo Vineyard, near Sonoma Creek. the grapes were night-harvested, and after vinification the wine aged ten months in French oak, 25 percent new. It went through full malolactic. Its fragrance is lactic, tropical, citrusy, and the palate is a little bitter Good body and length accentuate flavors of citrus, cream, and rubbed sage. I’d like to age a bottle or two. Right now try it with roasted chicken or pork, grilled salmon or ocean trout, macaroni and cheese. Or pair it with a mixed cheese plate featuring cow’s milk cheeses, from young to aged.
2017 Benziger Reserve Chardonnay Los Carneros
14.1% abv | $30 (sample)
Has the Sangiacomo Vineyard gone organic, or are they just doing that block?
I visited Benziger back in 1998. They were well ahead of the curve on organic viticulture.
The vineyard is farmed sustainably but is not organic. My understanding is the grower-owners farm to each client’s wishes.