Question for Marie-Laure: If you had to describe this Chardonnay in terms a Burgunday region, what would you say it’s most like?
Answer: The 2023 Bentrock reflects more a cool climate Chardonnay due to its proximity to the ocean, harsh foggy and windy climate the vineyard sits in and is close to Chablis wines.

This refined and focused 2023 bottling comes from one of Santa Barbara County’s most dramatic vineyard sites. Bentrock Vineyard is prized for its cool coastal climate, marine shale soils, and varied exposures—ideal conditions for growing expressive Pinot Noir. The long growing season and naturally low-vigor soils yield concentrated fruit with vibrant acidity and depth. The wine opens with a vivid core of citrus and mineral tension, evolving into layered notes of pear, lemon zest, and lime curd. Bright and energetic, yet smooth and graceful, it finishes with impressive length and poise. Meticulous farming ensures wines that are expressive, structured, and true to their coastal terroir.

About Nid Tissé:
Last October, I tasted the new releases from Marie-Laure Ammons’ project, Nid Tissé. The Chardonnays then felt a bit closed, but when we revisited them with her in February, they were stunning- just as I’d hoped, given the incredible pedigree of her vineyard sites and her 18 vintages alongside winemaker consultant Philippe Melka.

Her style is distinctly Burgundy-driven, shaped by her studies and time in Burgundy before moving to California. She crafts her Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with precision, achieving near perfection in the bottle.

I highly recommend trying these wines. As someone who regularly seeks out exceptional Chardonnays from both Burgundy and California for personal consumption, I’ve typically found more White Burgundies align with my palate. But more and more of our winemaker friends are now tapping into the full potential of great California Chardonnay; this is one of those instances. Below are the wines available today.