Drew Wines, "Bahl Briney" Chardonnay, Mendocino, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
Jason and Molly Drew started Drew in 2000 with a clear pursuit in mind: to craft small lot, cool climate wines that express site distinction and traditional varietal character.   Their moment came when they stumbled upon an old 26 acre apple orchard within the Mendocino Ridge Appellation. While others saw a daunting project in this old forgotten orchard,  Jason and Molly saw ancient oceanic soils, south facing slopes at 1250 ft elevation, putting them just above the fogline and a true coastal climate, with the ocean a mere 3.3 miles away.  It didn't take long for them to decide to leap and leap they did. The Drew estate winery at Faîte De Mer Farm was born.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Mendocino, California

Bahl Briney is Boontling for "the good stuff from the coast". This appellation blend Chardonnay is unique as it is sourced from two vineyards on opposite sides of Anderson Valley. The Valenti Ranch and Clow Ridge. Valenti is a mid elevation site (1250-1400ft) along the west ridge of Anderson Valley, 6 miles from the ocean. Clow Ridge is located on the eastern ridge of Anderson Valley approximately 1,000 ft, facing south west. The soils on both sites are mélange of ancient oceanic sedimentary materials that include gravelly sandy loams with high Iron content, rocky quartzite, decomposed sandstone and shale with varying degrees of clay. Pale straw in color. The aromas consist of crushed rocks and flint with Meyer lemon and lychee notes. The entry is fresh and Vibrant with citrus, stone fruits and wet stones with a touch of salinity hinting at the soils oceanic origins. There is an elegance and energy to the wine that aligns the mineral and energized fruit notes consistently from the front of the palate to the back. This lean beautiful Chardonnay is zesty and balanced with energized intensity while still being light on its feet. Enjoy!

95 Points - Ian Blackburn - One of 2022's Top Finds
What a find, this wine is undeniably excellent.  Nose, texture, concentration, balance... I think this maybe one of my favorite finds of the year - especially in Chardonnay.  Optimal color and concentration in the glass, saturated with Chardonnay benchmark aromas golden delicous apples, carmelized pears, bright salty air influences, mouthwatering and delicous.  Nicely balanced and generous - quality marks of a wine twice its price.  Color 14/15, Aroma 24/25, Body 23/25, Overall 34/35 = 95 Points.

91 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Chardonnay Bahl Briney is a soft, understated wine. White peach, lemon confit, almond and a touch of earthiness all grace this delicate, soft Anderson Valley Chardonnay from Jason Drew. Best After 2023

Product size: 750ml