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Chardonnay

2023 Cienega Valley Chardonnay

The Black Bench Chardonnay 2023 from Cienega Valley is a truly delightful white wine that encapsulates the essence of the region's unique terroir. This full-bodied Chardonnay presents a rich, golden hue and offers a vibrant bouquet of tropical fruits, with delightful hints of pineapple and mango, harmoniously balanced with nuances of butterscotch and vanilla from subtle oak aging. On the palate, this wine reveals a refreshing crispness, characterized by its bright, mouthwatering acidity that keeps you coming back for more. The flavor profile is complex and well-structured, offering layers of ripe stone fruit, creamy custard, and a touch of minerality that showcases the rugged beauty of the Cienega Valley. This handcrafted gem is an elegant yet approachable wine, perfect for pairing with buttery seafood dishes or simply enjoying on its own. Black Bench Chardonnay is a testament to the artistry of winemaking in this distinguished region.

Tasting notes:


Lemon

Lemon

Vanilla

Vanilla

Butter

Butter

Flavor profile:


Acidity Medium

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Bone Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Pairs well with:


Creamy Pasta, Lobster, Lemon Butter Scallops

Region:


Central Coast
Central Coast

California's Central Coast might be a bit quieter than Napa or Sonoma to the north, but this lesser-known region produces many world-class wines. Enjoying incredible terroir along its vast 280-mile stretch—from San Francisco Bay to Santa Barbara—Central Coast wines are increasingly in demand. Its position between the Pacific Coast Ranges and the Southern Coast Ranges is key to its quality, with many cool-climate AVAs offering elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Merlot. In the hotter parts of the Central Coast, away from the coastal fogs and cold mountain slopes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre are exceptional.

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