Benovia Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2020

This lively Chardonnay is bursting with aromas of citrus blossom, yellow melon, and white peach. The nose is filled with sun-ripened apricot and white peach, knit together by balanced acidity and a long, complex finish. Barrel fermentation and oak aging for 13 months have added hints of toasted almond and spice cake to a subtle minerality on the finish. This dynamic Chardonnay will drink well upon release and will improve with a year or two in the bottle.

The Chardonnay is now sourced from our Martaella Estate Vineyard and Tilton Hill Vineyards. We have planted heirloom clones of Chardonnay that retain bright acidity and express beautiful floral and mineral notes. The low-fertility soils and the cool temperatures, in this part of the Russian River Valley, unite to form an ideal place for growing Chardonnay. The fruit was harvested at night then gently whole-cluster pressed. After settling overnight, the juice was fermented in barrel with indigenous yeast.