2019 Chardonnay Estate, les sols arenaces
Les sols arénacés (sandy soils) pays homage to the sedimentary top soils of our Estate vineyard as derived from marine sediments laid down 20-40 million years ago in the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean. A subsequent uplift exposed them to the elements, allowing the development of soils with high quartz content and a rich, brown color. The Estate Chardonnay is a blend of Dijon clones 95, 44 & 76. Stylistically, it is crafted to reflect a clean, steely and pure expression of varietal character. It is driven by its acid backbone with a nice balance and richness, and is crafted with the ability to develop with age. Crafted for longevity, complexity & balance.
Our signature blend of Chardonnay clones 44, 76 & 95 from the Lachini Estate Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Handcrafted in a classical style for longevity, complexity and balance.
The 9th vintage of our ode to a Chablis-styled Chardonnay. Small lots of individual clonal grapes were hand-sorted, barrel-fermented and subsequently aged in Noblot French concrete eggs & stainless. Our desired expression of pure, clean fruit flavors with an underlying crisp theme from it's acid backbone; this is a wine worthy of aging where the wine will develop a mineral, stone and nut component as well as pick up in intensity and additional layers of complexity.
Aged 12 months in 100% stainless steel tank. The grapes were cooled prior to processing. Whole cluster pressing took place in order to capture the essence and freshness of the fruit. Each lot was cold soaked separately, combined midway through fermentation to dry, ultimately blended, aged and stirred gently on the lees. Native & selected commercial yeast were chosen to complement and preserve the fresh varietal components.
TASTING NOTES: In its youth, somewhat closed on the nose, hinting at lemon with subtle floral notes with a hint of toffee and stone. Pure, like a high mountain stream over rocks; medium-to-full-bodied, the palate is balanced with notes honey and mineral flavors. Crisp and appealing, its bright acidity leads to a lengthy, clean finish. The texture grabs you. Should develp with a little age ~ if you can hold off that long! Age 3-10+ years. 114 cases produced
2011 Estate Chardonnay, les sols arénacés, Chehalem Mtns. 91 WINE SPECTATOR (inaugural vintage)
