Etude Carneros "Grace Benoist Ranch" Chardonnay 2022
(Napa Valley, California) - [JS 94] [VM 92]

Winemaker Notes:
From six special acres in the heart of the Grace Benoist Ranch, our estate Chardonnay is a beautiful example of everything Carneros has to offer. Lively, fresh, and vibrant, this Chardonnay is truly exemplary of elegance and grace, crafted intentionally to showcase the expressive fruit and terroir, so there is no malolactic fermentation, and a delicate touch of oak. Lifted floral notes of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, and vanilla, waft from the fragrant bouquet, while flavors of zesty, fresh-cut apple, honeydew melon, Bartlett pair, and graham cracker pie crust, intermingle on the palate. Luscious and creamy in texture, with a stony minerality, and pleasing freshness, a signature from Grace Benoist Ranch, demonstrates a lovely, mouth-watering backbone of crisp acidity. The finish is clean and long, delighting the palate, and inviting sip after sip.

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Flinty with lightly dried apple and hints of white blossom and minerals. Medium to full body that sneaks up on your palate, starting off minerally and then finishes with a round texture and the richness of light cream and yoghurt. Lovely layers here. No malolactic. Drink now or hold." (January 2024)

92 Points - Vinous:
"The 2022 Chardonnay Grace Benoist Ranch is a blend of three different blocks and six clones. It offers good depth in its citrus peel, mineral and savory undertones. Blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors bright. There's good depth and plenty of complexity." Drink 2023-2026. - Antonio Galloni (December 2023)