The 2012 Chardonnay Bennett Valley (425 cases produced) comes from chalky soils, is fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in 30% new French oak. This more backward-styled Chardonnay exhibits notes of quince, white peach and white currants, medium body, refreshing acidity and admirable intensity. Drink this beauty over the next 5-6 years, although I suspect it may last even longer. Matanzas Creek enjoyed great success in the early and mid-nineties, but then appeared to rest on their laurels, and was ultimately sold to the late Jess Jackson and his small boutique portfolio. It has taken the Jackson family a number of years to get this estate back on track, but I think that it can be safely said that with the currant and upcoming releases, Matanzas Creek has been resurrected impressively. The winery now produces four Sauvignon Blancs. The flagship wines of Matanzas Creek are bottled under a separate label called Journey. The wines are obviously made by the same winemaker, Marcia Monahan. Tel. (707) 528-6464