2016 Wines Chardonnay VGW
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Chardonnay VGW is expressive and reminiscent of the Coche-Dury style with characteristic flintiness overlaying scents of apricot, peaches, mushroom paste, almonds and honey. The palate is surprisingly light on its feet, beginning with quiet, savory intensity before blossoming into expansive, satiny fruit. Despite its power, it has notably vibrant acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. It has a long life ahead in the cellar.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Blend from two different vineyards. Von Oesen planted with Dijon 95 clone at 430 ft in 2011 in Eola-Amity Hills AVA on Jory, Witzel and Ritner volcanic soils. Open Claim planted with Dijon 76 and 95 clones at 420 ft in 2012 in the Willamette Valley AVA on Bellpine sedimentary soils. Made by the ‘black Chardonnay’ method involving pre-press crush with 12 hours of skin contact, heavy long pressing with no sulphites added to the juice in the press pan. No settling before going into barrel. Spontaneous fermentation, no bâtonnage during élevage. 12 months in French oak (20% new) followed by six months in tank on the fine lees. Smoky, tense nose – much tighter than the EGW bottling. Very light struck-match element with real refinement. Still very youthful but clearly capable of considerable evolution over time. Bite and presence in the mouth with some mineral/chalky texture. Quite delicate. I wouldn't serve it with anything too assertive on the table. I'd say it's only just ready to drink – quite an achievement for an Oregon Chardonnay! (JR)