Bien Nacido Vineyard
Chardonnay
From Santa Maria Valley’s famed Bien Nacido Vineyard, with a panoramic view of the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County line. This vineyard enjoys maritime soils and climate with the pacific ocean on the other side of the valley. Sandy loam, chalk, gravelly loam and marine loam. The Chardonnay comes from block 1 own rooted and planted in 1973 at an elevation of 450ft.
Appellation Santa Maria Valley AVA
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Blend 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol % 13.5
The inaugural release of Chardonnay from this site, the 2023 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard was fermented in stainless tank and aged for 10 months in barrique. A pure, high-toned, polished nose of yellow and green orchard fruits leads to a seamlessly rich yet deft palate, finishing with a lovely balance between mineral-tinged vibrancy and soft, ever-expanding richness. This was quite dynamic in the glass, developing rapidly and continuously revealing additional layers of both depth and lift. This is a beautiful debut and an excellent addition to the Ledge roster.
93+ pts- Wine Advocate, Matt Luczy
The nose offers mineral and ocean-influenced aromas of lemon pith, salt brine, chalk and struck match. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity and tightly wound notes of nectarines, key lime pie, sea salt and grapefruit. Very thoughtful and well made.
94 pts, James Suckling