90POINTS
16½/20
Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2022
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDavid Bynum has left us, but his spirit and wines live on under the watch of Rodney Strong Vineyards and winemaker Greg Morthole. If you didn’t know, Bynum was the first winery to produce a single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. The vintage was 1973, and the grapes were from Joe Rochioli’s now prized vineyard. Today, the chardonnay is grown on moderately deep, well-drained soils at River West Vineyard and Westside Road in the Russian River Valley. The clonal mix contains the Spring Mountain clone and clones 806, 76, 15, and 4, all aged 12 months in French and Eastern European oak barrels, of which 35% were new. The attack is distinctively DB with a lemon citrus acidity that sets up the palate for the oak and bâtonnage that continues to provide a creamy complexity and a brioche graham cracker character to the wine, finishing with a touch of caramel. At only 13.5%, this fresh chardonnay continues to flourish under winemaker Morthole, who manages to stay out of the way other than choosing the finest blocks and clones from River West that best reveal the site’s terroir.Tasted: 12 January 2024Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:BC | $34.99 | 750ml | select private retailers |
AB | $32.99 | 750ml | select private retailers |
ON | $32.95 | 750ml | Spot Buy if Approved |
QC | $33.00 | 750ml | Spot Buy if Approved |
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 829812UPC: 087512887268