| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | U.S.A. > California |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
The 2023 Chardonnay Salt Point, from the Bohan ranch, is floral and elegant in the glass. Citrus peel, marzipan, white flowers and light tropical notes build nicely. This mid-weight Chardonnay is promising.
Full bottle 1,341 g. From a vineyard planted in 2018 at 1,500 feet three miles from the Pacific on Goldridge sandy loam. The fruit was picked on 22 September. 100% whole-bunch pressed, spontaneous fermentation and malo in French oak barrels (20% new). Minimal sulphites added. Kutch explains, 'In 2018 George and Nikki Bohan approached me and asked if I would be interested in a collaboration as they intended on replanting the first vineyard block that George’s father had installed in 1972, having had it succumb to virus. I was ecstatic as I knew that it meant that I could finally propagate some special Chardonnay plant material that I had carried back from Burgundy many years prior. 2021 marks the first vintage of this new vineyard block, aptly named Salt Point as it is one of the closest blocks to the Pacific Ocean and the block resembled a point. Salt Point State Park and beach are also very close neighbours to the property and the beach creates fascinating and rare rock formations called Tafoni. Being a rock lover, the name aptly spoke to me as it also describes the salty character to this mineral-laced Chardonnay.'
Complex, layered, subtle nose with – yes – some burgundian character. Yes it really is a bit salty, I swear! What fun this wine is. Subtly high toned and sleek. There's that lemon and liquorice sensation that one finds in many good white burgundies. Long and excellent. Scrumptious. (JR)
The pick of the Chardonnays this year, you can sense the proximity to the Pacific in this wine. Bright colour with a lively nose of lemon, yuzu and a little white peach, there is a touch of reduction and savoury spice but it is subtle and well integrated. The palate is chalky and lithe, driven by a salty lemon fruit core that is both serious and deliciously moreish. The fruit gains in weight through the mid-palate, always formed around citrus but increasingly slick. This is very fine, tensile Chardonnay, flinty with lipsmacking acids on the finish.
