2007 Stonestreet Chardonnay Gravel Bench

The liquid minerality of the 2007 Chardonnay Gravel Bench brings to mind a grand cru Chablis. Abundant wet stone characteristics along with a liqueur of rocks are accompanied by lemon blossom, nectarine, and quince notes. It, too, should drink well for 5-6 years. Stonestreet is becoming an excellent source for small lots of Chardonnay, although the basic Alexander Valley cuvee is very plentiful (6,500 cases). The single vineyard offerings (between 120 and 350 cases produced of each) are impressive efforts that are more similar than dissimilar since they all come from single vineyard lots, are aged in 50% new French oak (except for the Gravel Bench), and spend 11 months on their lees before bottling. Tel. (800) 355-8008; Fax (707) 433-9469