# Bentrock Chardonnay (2021)

- **Producer:** The Hilt Estate
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.2%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** orange blossom, pear, fennel, lemon, apricot, mint, lime, white flowers, apple, peach, fresh brioche, sweet cream, baking spice, hazelnut, butter, honeycomb, almond

## About this wine

The Hilt Bentrock Chardonnay 2021 is a single-vineyard wine from the Sta. Rita Hills appellation in California's Santa Barbara County. It is produced by The Hilt Estate, owned by Stan Kroenke, with winemaking overseen by Matt Dees. The Bentrock Vineyard is characterized by its rolling hills, iron-rich soils, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, contributing to a cool maritime climate. The 2021 vintage is noted for its stable conditions, resulting in a balanced and elegant wine. The estate practices sustainable and organic farming methods.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are farmed using organic practices, banning herbicides and pesticides.
- The Bentrock Vineyard is known for its poor soils rich in iron and silica.
- The wine is produced in limited quantities, with only 605 cases made.
- It's considered an 'ultimate wine of terroir'.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and mineral notes cut through the richness of seafood and creamy dishes, while its fruit profile complements roasted poultry and earthy mushrooms. The wine's structure can stand up to more complex flavors.

## Wine making process

The Hilt Bentrock Chardonnay 2021 is produced using 100% Chardonnay grapes. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, with 40% new oak and 60% used barrels, for 11 months. Following barrel aging, the wine spends an additional 5 months in stainless steel tanks with full lees. The vineyards are farmed using sustainable and organic practices, with a prohibition on herbicides and pesticides. Production for the 2021 vintage was 605 cases.