Courtney Benham
Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Napa Valley, California, USA
Floral notes on the nose. Smooth on the palate. High acidity. Green apple notes with some peach (very faint). Medium body.
Floral notes on the nose. Smooth on the palate. High acidity. Green apple notes with some peach (very faint). Medium body.
Jun 2nd, 2021
Clean, clear pale yellow. Aromas of sweet fruit with floral notes. Palate shows peachy fruit flavor and crisp sour apples. An herbal finish ended about medium. Not overly complex.
Clean, clear pale yellow. Aromas of sweet fruit with floral notes. Palate shows peachy fruit flavor and crisp sour apples. An herbal finish ended about medium. Not overly complex.
Feb 20th, 2016
Crisp and pungent nose, fairly smooth with white fruit, slight acidity on the end. Not bad, but Martin ray Is better.
Crisp and pungent nose, fairly smooth with white fruit, slight acidity on the end. Not bad, but Martin ray Is better.
May 30th, 2014
Courtney Bentham Unoaked Chardonnay 2023
Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Chardonnay, aged entirely in stainless steel for 6 months. This unoaked style highlights the pure, crisp side of California Chardonnay—clean, sharp, and fruit-forward—offering a modern contrast to the richer, oak-driven styles the state is often known for.
Aromas & Flavors
Fresh notes of green apple, lemon zest, and pear dominate, with subtle hints of peach blossom and saline minerality. No oak influence means the fruit character shines through brightly.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied, crisp, and refreshing with vibrant acidity. The finish is dry, clean, and mouthwatering, leaving a lingering citrus snap.
Winemaking Notes
Stainless steel fermentation and aging (100%, 6 months) preserve the purity of fruit and emphasize freshness over creaminess.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with oysters, sushi, fresh goat cheese, or citrus-marinated grilled chicken. Ideal as an aperitif on a warm day.
Verdict
A quintessential example of unoaked California Chardonnay—bright, precise, and zesty. For those who prefer freshness and minerality over richness, this is a pure, elegant sipper that captures Santa Barbara’s coastal vibrancy.
Courtney Bentham Unoaked Chardonnay 2023
Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Chardonnay, aged entirely in stainless steel for 6 months. This unoaked style highlights the pure, crisp side of California Chardonnay—clean, sharp, and fruit-forward—offering a modern contrast to the richer, oak-driven styles the state is often known for.
Aromas & Flavors
Fresh notes of green apple, lemon zest, and pear dominate, with subtle hints of peach blossom and saline minerality. No oak influence means the fruit character shines through brightly.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied, crisp, and refreshing with vibrant acidity. The finish is dry, clean, and mouthwatering, leaving a lingering citrus snap.
Winemaking Notes
Stainless steel fermentation and aging (100%, 6 months) preserve the purity of fruit and emphasize freshness over creaminess.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with oysters, sushi, fresh goat cheese, or citrus-marinated grilled chicken. Ideal as an aperitif on a warm day.
Verdict
A quintessential example of unoaked California Chardonnay—bright, precise, and zesty. For those who prefer freshness and minerality over richness, this is a pure, elegant sipper that captures Santa Barbara’s coastal vibrancy.
Not a Sauvignon Blanc lover generally, but this one could change my mind. Casemates mystery case.
Not a Sauvignon Blanc lover generally, but this one could change my mind. Casemates mystery case.
Jun 25th, 2025
Crisp and packs a flavorful, citrusy punch. Would be great as a stand-alone glass or would pair well with light dishes such as fish and seafood
Crisp and packs a flavorful, citrusy punch. Would be great as a stand-alone glass or would pair well with light dishes such as fish and seafood
Mar 14th, 2023
Light bodied wine wothaple@& peach in the palate
Light bodied wine wothaple@& peach in the palate
Jan 7th, 2023Crisp, refreshing. Perfect for warm days.
Crisp, refreshing. Perfect for warm days.
Apr 1st, 2022
