2020 Sandhi Chardonnay Bent Rock

The 2020 Chardonnay Bentrock is singular and expressive this vintage. It offers the matchstick-like reduction associated with Burgundian Chardonnay and takes significant time to reveal a core of candied lemon. The full-bodied palate is satiny and layered, its full, toasty fruits streaked with exotic honey and ginger perfume from a touch of botrytis in the vineyard. It has great freshness, a tremendously long finish and is the best rendition of this cuvée I've tasted to date.

The 2020 Chardonnay Bentrock is redolent of slate, crushed rocks, white pepper, mint and lemon peel, along with a hint of reduction that adds character, but without dominating the balance, as has at times been the case here. Readers who like focused, taut Chardonnays won't want to miss the Bentrock. It is world-class. A second bottle, tasted far away from the winery and vineyards, was every bit as impressive.

Intense and distinctive, with flinty minerally accents mingling with salted butter notes up front, leading to a core of intense Meyer lemon, yuzu and Fuji apple flavors on a sleek and juicy frame. Drink now. 66 cases made.