2023 Benziger Family Winery Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay - SoCo Barrel Auction

Arrives December 2024

Winemaker: Lisa Amaroli

“Mother Earth” is a distinctive first bottling from a single block of organically-farmed Old Wente Clone Chardonnay, sourced from the renowned Sangiacomo Vineyard. At Benziger, the Chardonnay grape isn’t just a grape, it’s a tiny, round reflection of their wildly dynamic vineyards where it grows. It includes the naturally nutrient rich soil, the vines growing beautifully unbound and the efforts of every insect, animal and plant that surrounds their grapes.

In 1980 the land that now houses Benziger Ranch was acquired and 29 members of the Benziger family converged with aspirations of mastering the art of winemaking. For 15 years they followed conventional practices, protecting their grapes from the natural world. However, signs of erosion, invasive insects, and nutrient-depleted soil compelled them to make a radical shift. Embracing biodynamic farming, they invited nature back in, enduring a challenging three-year transition. Witnessing the vineyard’s gradual rejuvenation, they focused on Chardonnay as the expressive grape to showcase the extraordinary transformation, determined to share their vibrant vineyards with the world.

Winemaker Lisa Amaroli has been making wine at Benziger Family Winery for over twenty years and knows the vineyards inside and out. Lisa is passionate about cultivating our wines from their biodynamic and organically farmed properties. “Mother Earth” is finessed, expressive and insanely aromatic, with layers of complexity compelling the next sip. It features a creamy texture and silky roundness, with notes of lightly spiced poached pear, limoncello curd, and a hint of apricot.