JKT

9.0

Canadian Gamay with lean earthy grip, unusual — 2 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.8

Jay rubenstein y amigos courtney — 10 months ago

Dimes

8.9

Pair well with big fireplace and big lake — a year ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Yeah...this is really delicious.

If you like Paper Planes style, this is a similar style but, fuller, richer with more pronounced saline & minerality.

The nose reveals, floral, ripe, slightly candied fruits of; steamed strawberries, summer, lean jolly rancher watermelon, cherries, tangerine, blood orange, black cherries, black raspberries, slightly, baked rhubarb, steamed, white spice, cream soda, vanillin, hints of ginger with pink rose pedals with in a field of spring flowers.

The palate has nice richness, ripeness with excellent viscosity. The fruits are, candied, gummy, ripe and freshness. Steamed strawberries, summer, lean jolly rancher watermelon, cherries, tangerine, pomegranate, blood orange, black cherries, black raspberries, slightly, baked rhubarb, orange rind, pink grapefruit with pith, white spice with just the right amount of heat, lava volcanics, excellent, choppy chalkiness, cream soda, vanillin, hints of ginger with pink rose pedals with in a field of spring flowers. The acidity is like shooting fresh mountain river rapids. The really long finish is; well knitted, harmony fruit & earth with polish, elegance that is persist for several minutes.

Appreciate the 11.8 ABV.

@Dawn E. highly recommend their 18 for you. 👍

Photos of, their Frei Vineyard, two photos of Winemaker Matt Courtney and barrel room shots. — 6 years ago

Robert

9.2

Different bottle, very good — 7 years ago

Matt Trader

9.2

Being that I was around 2 years ago to see Courtney in crutches, this wine was especially funny to me because he got his inspiration from his unfortunate accident while biking. He is also a big Bordeaux wine fan, so this wine is a blend of Merlot, then Cabernet Franc, and a touch of petit verdot all from the Stag's Leap district. Drinks like a Napa version of Larcis Ducas - delicious. — 8 years ago

Helen O

8.9

B/B+ pear on the nose. On the palate pear, green apple and lemon. Crisp. Like it. 2015 vintage. April 2018 — 8 years ago

Doggfather

9.0

Was expecting a bit more given the pedigree of the brand - but still pretty good. — 6 months ago

Donald Williams

9.4

Not a Sauvignon Blanc lover generally, but this one could change my mind. Casemates mystery case. — a year ago

with Bonnie

Shay A

9.3

I’ve opened a few Ferren Frei Rd chards (normally in the 4-5yr range) and have enjoyed them, but this was my first Lancel Creek. With the release coming up in a few weeks, I wanted to check in and figure out the profile. I’m between a 93-94 here.

Made by Matt Courtney (formerly at Marcassin, also winemaker at Arista). Beautiful straw colored in the glass with maybe a tinge of green, the aromatics are honeysuckle, sweet lemon, and sea salted almonds. I found this to be very similar to the Frei Rd in regards to acidity. So nervy all the way through. Totally coastal, but with a soft touch of rich fruit. Also similar to the Frei Rd, this is lemon everything (fresh squeezed lemon, lemon cream, lemon scone) but the mineral profile is more enhanced here. There’s a stone/slate vibe toward the finish that keeps this light on its feet. Oak is soft and plays a contributing role, not a dominating one.

I enjoyed this at pop and pour, then revisited 2-3hrs later and found the acidity had calmed down a bit. Definitely give this a decant now if possible, or hold a few more years. — 4 years ago

Biff Sturgess

9.2

Solid Carneros Pinot — 6 years ago

Megan Brockett

9.1

love this wine. smooth, medium body, fruity w/o being sugary. subtle licorice finish. eat with food, drink alone, or drink alone. — 7 years ago

Rich Barber

9.0

Smooth, and full bodied for a blend. Recommended as an introduction to their cab. — 8 years ago

Jacob Ramsey

9.4

2024 - Pittsburg - Sohan, Courtney, Tia — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

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. — 10 months ago

Christian Fischer

9.2

And I thought yesterday was a bad day at work ... so let’s go with another nice bottle :). This will take a few years to mature but great depth and enjoyable to drink — 6 years ago

Kyle Kemmer

9.8

Very nice. Crisp and floral. Very good drinking wine. Would definitely recommend. — 6 years ago

with Renee

Stephen

9.1

PnP - very smooth stags lean fruit. Silky tannins, somewhat muted red and black fruit. Medium short finish. Not overly complex but very enjoyable. — 7 years ago

dcsee

9.0

Found this Merlot to be very delightful, strong fruit front flavors. — 8 years ago

Neal Ferry

8.9

Surprisingly good for $9 — 8 years ago