2017 is one of Bethel Heights winemaker Ben Casteel's favourite vintages of the past decade for its natural balance, elegance, and transparency. The 2017 Casteel Chardonnay exemplifies this as much or more than any Chardonnay in their portfolio, providing both the tension their site provides so well and also the generosity of a warm vintage. This wine is showing well now but will improve with age over the next 5-7 years.
95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Chardonnay Casteel is scented with yellow peaches, quince paste, jasmine, spring honey and hazelnuts with hints of lime peel and crushed stone. Medium-bodied and silky, the palate is tensile and energetic, with tangy acidity to oppose the luscious texture and ripe fruits, finishing very long and layered. This is so classy, effortlessly traversing the tightrope of ripeness and precision.
94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
This barrel-fermented reserve has a spicy mix of aromas, hints of mint and menthol, and cedar plank notes from the barrels. It needs aggressive decanting if you plan to drink it soon so that those barrel flavours are fully integrated. But when put all together with the lush mix of stone fruits and balancing acids, this is a profound, dense, splendid example of top-tier Oregon Chardonnay.
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