2023 Allbaer Escarpe! White | Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley California 750ml

This year marks our second go around making Chardonnay from Bien Nacido. Planted in 1973, this vineyard has been producing some of the best wines in California. The rows for our block are oriented east-west and the fruit exposed on the southern position of the canopy because it carries more maturity than the northern aspect. For 2023, I wanted a white with a little extra gusto and requested to only have fruit from the southern side. Our winemaking methods stayed the same: whole cluster pressing, rigorously stirring the press pan, and dispersing the juice in 11L portions in one stainless steel drum, one once used french oak barrel, and two new french barrels. Once primary fermentation was complete, approximately 8 weeks later, we transferred all of the wine to oak barrels. This went through elevage in 66% new oak, 33% once used. Stirred regularly to enhance the silkiness and mid-palate richness resulting in a velvety texture. It was bottled in September 2024, just as harvest was getting underway. This wine is a true gem.
| ALLBAER

The 2023 Escarpe White is solid, and I think will be outstanding. Ripe citrus and orchard notes, medium body, a pure, layered mouthfeel, and some classic Bien Nacido mineral and savory nuances all define this classy, balanced Chardonnay. | 91-93, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com