Benton Hills Chardonnay 2023
Overview
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Our 2023 Chardonnay shows an expressive bouquet with vivid aromas of green apple, pear, and lemon oil, which mingle elegantly alongside a flinty stone undertone. The palate opens with a burst of bright lemon and honeydew, enriched by nuances of pineapple and lemon zest. The mouthfeel is round, bright, and refreshing lifted by juicy citrus notes, providing a dynamic and lively experience. The finish is remarkably clean, showcasing very fresh and bright fruit flavors that linger delicately, ensuring a lasting impression. |
Wine Facts
VINIFICATION: Benton Hills Chardonnay is a pure expression of bright tropical and stone fruit due to a deliberate, cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine fermented on French and American oak to build structure and enhance freshness. Malolactic fermentation was only partially completed after alcoholic fermentation, to preserve the natural acidity and fresh, crisp fruit flavors while also adding hints of soft richness. The wine aged on lees, without oak, for four months before being bottled.
INTERESTING FACT: Benton Hills Vineyards is in a premier wine region in southeastern Washington state, comprising several arid southwest sloping hills that are home to many of the Columbia valley’s most celebrated vineyards.
STORY: Ancient basalt flows formed a cluster of small mountains with gentle sloping hillsides ideal for growing vinifera grapes. We affectionately refer to them as our Benton Hills.
M.L. Monson brought his family to the Yakima Valley in the early 1900s. He came with a love for the land and the dream of building a family farming business that would continue for generations.
Initially, the focus was on orchards and cattle. In the 1990s, M.L.’s son Arvid began building in a new direction, establishing vineyards in the arid hills and valleys around Richland. This led to the founding of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery in 1998.
Through years of remarkable growth and change, the family has remained true to the vision held by M.L. and Arvid Monson, and today Goose Ridge is led by Arvid’s three children, Bill, Molly and Valerie.
Producer: Goose Ridge
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States
Wine Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13 %
Total Acidity: 6.5 G/L
pH: 3.43
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States
Wine Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13 %
Total Acidity: 6.5 G/L
pH: 3.43
Press Highlights
2023: 91 Pts - Tasting Panel, April 2025