Chardonnay Banfield Vineyard 2021 Arista

Professional reviews

James Suckling (97)

The brightness and fresh herbs, such as parsley and lemongrass, come out nicely. Some flint. It’s full-bodied with a lovely density. It has plenty of ripe green apple, lemon-lime and brioche flavors. So pure and beautiful. From 50-year-old Wente clones. Very delicious now but will age beautifully. Drink now or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

From Old Wente planted in 1980 on AXR rootstock, the 2021 Chardonnay Banfield Vineyard comes from one of the later sites picked by the estate. Bright straw-colored with a tinge of green, it boasts a rounded bouquet with aromas of fresh peach, melon rind, preserved citrus, and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it expands through the palate with lovely length and great intensity throughout, without being heavy in any way. It has real structure for aging, but in this vintage, it shows a good deal of freshness in its notes of lime on the palate. Drink 2025-2035.