Wine Enthusiast: 96 points

“Extremely delicate and pure aromas of lemon, nectarine, gardenia and lily are soft and inviting on the nose of this bottling. The palate sizzles with acidity, offering focused but austere flavors of lemon zest and crushed gravel that surround an immensely chalky core. It will mature well through 2042.” – Matt Kettmann

Review date: December 2019

Jeb Dunnuck: 94 points

“There are only 35 barrels of the 2017 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard, which comes from the crème de la crème of vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley. Aged 15 months in 10% new French oak, it has a textbook bouquet of stone fruits, crushed rocks, toasted spice, and the salty, iodine, seaside-like marine influence that's so common from this region. Medium-bodied, balanced, tight, and juicy on the palate, it has beautiful purity of fruit and a great finish.” - Jeb Dunnuck

Review date: October 2019

Vinous: 94 points

“The 2017 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard is bright, energetic and full of character. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper all give the Bien Nacido a super-distinctive upper register. In the glass, the 2017 is bright and tightly wound, with lovely veins of salinity that lend focus and drive. I would give the 2017 at least a year or two in bottle, as it is decidedly taut in the early going.” – Antonio Galloni

Review date: September 2019

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 93 points

“From 40-year-old vines, the 2017 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard has a very pretty, giving nose of sweet hay, toast, toasted hazelnut, pastry crust, yellow peach, baked apple pie, baker's yeast and stony hints. Medium to full-bodied, it has a great core of warm spiced fruit with a creamy texture and long, mineral-driven finish.” – Erin Brooks

Review date: September 2019