2023 Benmar "Sand Dune" Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

Benmar's Chardonnay philosophy centers on achieving a delicate balance, a graceful midpoint between the opulent, heavily oaked California styles and the lean, flinty elegance of White Burgundy. The winemakers believe in allowing the inherent character of the wine – its vibrant fruit, refreshing acidity, and underlying structure – to take center stage. The judicious use of high-quality, often neutral or lightly toasted oak is intentional, providing a subtle whisper of sweetness that coaxes out nuanced vanilla and gentle spice notes, enhancing rather than overpowering the wine’s natural expression.

The fruit for this Oregon Chardonnay is sourced from a 6.5-hectare site located approximately 1.5 km from Lange and Alexana, where vines are rooted in the renowned Jory soils of the Dundee Hills AVA. Aged for 14 months in 20% new French oak, the wine’s pure fruit and mineral-driven character are beautifully preserved. 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Benmar is the story of two families, brought together by friendship, a love of Oregon’s wild beauty, and a shared passion for making authentic wine. From neighborly conversations to hand-crafting wines side-by-side, we built Benmar with a simple goal: to craft soulful, expressive wines that feel as real and memorable as the moments you share them in.

Greg Bybee has spent over fourteen years in the wine industry and believes in the potential of wines from the Pacific Northwest. After catching the wine bug in 2008, he packed his bags for California, where he spent five years at Rochioli Vineyards in the cellar and tasting room, learning about how world-class Pinot is made. He was a founding member of Vivino’s e-commerce business and the wine curator for eight years, selecting wines for the community. This is where Greg, working with the Vivino data, understood what wine lovers really want from their Oregon wines. He then jumped into wine making full steam.

Named after his two kids Benben and Marecca, along with his wife Jen, the photographer featured on the wine labels, they have brought Benmar to the world.