One of the truly great Chardonnay vineyards in California (and beyond). Ryan Beauregard's Bald Mountain Vineyard is truly a singular site that produces Chardonnay of world-class caliber year in year out. This breathtaking site sits atop of a 1000ft high ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, just a coupe miles from the Pacific Ocean. The soils here are unique, named the Zayante series, they're basically decomposed ancient seabed that is now so broken down it has become powdery white sand. The vines, that are 40 years of age, toil in this very poor soil to produce tiny yields of exceptionally flavorful fruit. Ryan Beauregard, a multi-generational vigneron, is now at the reins of the operation after his family started ranching here back in 1945. Prior to that the property had been planted to grapes since at least 1880, making it one of the most historic sites in the region. Ryan's winemaking, guided largely by the wines of Burgundy and more specifically Chablis, mean the oak is subtle, the acid line refined and great emphasis is placed on capturing the sense of place. Increasingly Ryan uses cement eggs for his Chardonnays and the wines get better and better each year. I couldn't recommend a wine any more highly for those looking for pure, mineral driven, elegant, contemporary, California Chardonnay.