The 2019 Bien Nacido Estate Chardonnay is a notable white wine from Santa Maria Valley in California's Central Coast. Produced by Bien Nacido, this Chardonnay has an alcohol content of 13.5% and is sealed with a cork.
The wine has garnered several positive reviews from respected wine critics. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it a score of 93, describing it as a "medium-bodied, vibrant Chardonnay" with flavors of "spice, flinty minerality, stone fruits, and a hint of gunpowder." Dunnuck praised its "classic Bien Nacido minerality, salinity, and character," noting that while it has some "background oak," the balance and purity of fruit are impressive. Dunnuck concluded that the wine has "lots to love today" and should continue to perform well over the next 7-8 years (jebdunnuck.com, 8/26/2021).
Vinous reviewer Antonio Galloni gave the wine a score of 92, remarking that it was "a bit tightly wound at this stage," likely due to its recent bottling. Galloni appreciated the "bright citrus and floral accents" that complemented its "mid-weight personality," and expressed a fondness for the wine's energy. He left an open-ended note, saying, "Let's see what time brings" (Vinous, 10/28/2021).
Erin Brooks from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the 2019 Bien Nacido Estate Chardonnay at 94 points, with a note that it may be worth even more in the future (94+ points). Brooks highlighted the wine's origin from "own-rooted vines planted in 1973" and its maturation process—barrel fermented and aged for 12 months in oak, followed by six months in stainless steel. Brooks described it as having "golden apples, dried hay, and roasted almonds" on the nose, with a palate of "expansive, honeyed fruits" and "gently tangy acidity." The wine's finish was noted as "long and energetic" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 3/15/2022).
Wine Enthusiast's Matt Kettmann also rated the wine at 94 points, noting its "seared lemon peel, light peach, and tart citrus-flesh aromas." Kettmann mentioned the wine's "chalky, tense frame" that offers a "textural balance to the fresh Meyer lemon flavor" (Wine Enthusiast, 3/1/2022).
Overall, the 2019 Bien Nacido Estate Chardonnay is well-regarded for its balance, minerality, and vibrant character, making it a noteworthy choice for Chardonnay enthusiasts.