The signature Cuesta ozone and iodine seaside air smell is here once again, but, in 2024, in a softer, more integrated way that belies both the youth of the wine and how little time it has spent in bottle so far, and shows the smoothness of the 2024 vintage. There are some light notes of sesame oil, and perfumed musky flowers in there with the perennial petrichor, and, of course, the signature “sea at low tide” smells of Cuesta. But it is also absolutely delicious, classically framed as “limestone Bench” Chardonnay, with notes of apple, lime, lemon and other citrus fruits. This Cuesta 2024 finishes on a pure slatey oyster shell minerality that yes, has some granularity to it. Cuesta really resembles Wismer-Foxcroft more than anything on the Jordan side, with a darker minerality and perhaps a more focused mouthfeel, with some dusty saline notes, and an inviting sea salinity…

A word from Mary: Fennel nose with a spicy citrus finale.

Drinking prime: Now – 2032

Best fruit window: 2027 – 2030

Cases produced: 23