Vineyard & soil type: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam. From two parcels in the quickly becoming famous planting on the western end of Santa Rosa Road. Both in north facing exposures where the first lies at the highest point in the vineyard looking out over Sta Rita Hills on very rocky soils. This is an extremely exposed and windy perch. The second plot is found at a lower elevation and possesses more topsoil, sitting just to the east and protected by the from the wind by the previously described hill.

Production & aging: Native yeast barrel fermented and aged in 350-500L puncheons for 12 months using 20% new oak with 6 months in stainless steel vat before bottling.

The 2017 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard is a striking wine that captures the essence of this rugged hillside site on the western edge of the appellation. Bright and finely sculpted, the 2017 is just loaded with character. Lemon peel, mint, white flowers, crushed rocks and intense saline notes build into the mineral-drenched finish. This is such a spectacular debut, not to mention a very pure expression of Bentrock. 94pts -- Antonio Galloni