Bethel Heights Vineyard Casteel Reserve Chardonnay - 2018 (750ml)

Winemaker's Notes:

The 2018 Casteel Chardonnay is entirely from the block that rests immediately adjacent
to the winery, planted in 1994. While it isn’t the oldest block of Chardonnay on our property, it has produced the most consistent quality for the past several years. Extended aging in both barrels and stainless steel combined with full malolactic fermentation provides a richness and creamy texture to balance out the high natural acidity of both our site and the 2018 vintage. This bottling has tremendous tension and poise and will benefit from decanting for early consumption or 5-7 years of cellaring. — Ben Casteel

 94 points James Suckling 

The nose here is fresh and chalky with a fresh, flinty edge to the sliced pears, apple pastry and white peaches. The palate has a fresh attitude with good focus on entry and a build of lemons and grapefruit with peaches and pears, then apple pie to close. The pick of the crop each vintage at Bethel Heights.

94 points Wine Enthusiast 

The winery offers a splendid slate of Chardonnays, all from estate-grown fruit. This reserve bears the owners' name, is barrel-fermented and shines with a rich mix of fruit, oak and butter. What propels all the mainstream flavors is the acidity, underscoring the apple, pear and peach fruit, and keeping the finish lively. A touch of minerality along with the pretty barrel toast makes the finish as luscious as the beginning. — Paul Gregutt