Benevolent Neglect, Chardonnay 2019

Minimal intervention is likely the best way to describe winemaking style at Benevolent Neglect. The idea of the winemaker is to be the reliable translator - to take what was made in the vineyard from sun, water, and soil and let it become the finest wine that it can be.

They use very little new oak, no oak substitutes, and no industrial additives. If they get the farming right and the weather co-operates it won't be necessary to make any additions of water or acidity to alter the natural balance of the wine.

Matt Nagy and Ben Brenner, the two immensely talented boys behind Benevolent Neglect both have a history and excellent reputation in the winemaking world. Matt previously worked for Maybach Cellars, a famous and highly regarded wine making family who have been producing premium wines for generations. During his time with Maybach, Matt produced some of California's highest scoring wines. Ben has also had an equally impressive career including time with Rutherford Wine Co, a family estate who have pioneered sustainable farming and winemaking in Napa Valley. Their first step together came when they secured the support of Les Madres vineyard owners John Painter and Jean Gadiot. To give a little history, John and Jean converted overgrown pasture land into what is now the Las Madres site - a beautiful VSP trellised, cool-climate Syrah vineyard with two distinct blocks, amongst a sea of Chardonnay and Pinot. This site is a serious labour of love, farmed entirely by hand and organically, with minimal to no irrigation.