Tag Archives: chardonnay

Half the Bottle, All of the 95 Point Chardonnay: March 2019

Marcus Goodfellow’s labels have been mainstays at the shop for some time now. When the Wine Advocate’s review for the 2014 Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay came out, we can’t say we were particularly surprised. As you’d expect the 750’s of the Richard’s sold out in a flash, but it turns out that the winery had a number of cases of half bottles that no one has pounced on. Lucky for you, we’ve scooped up the last available from the winery, so once these are gone, they’re gone. In the meantime, this in-its-prime Chardonnay will make a beautiful wine to buy in bulk—the half bottles just make it that much more convenient.

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 375ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $20.90 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2014 Chardonnay Richard’s Cuvee knocks it out of the park with a nose of ripe apricots, pink grapefruit and guavaunderscored by fresh ginger, baking bread, beeswax and yeast extract hints with a waft of jasmine.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 9-13-16

Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay, Yamhill-Carlton District 2010 750ML ($29.95) Buy Now: $26.60 special

As Oregon transitions from summer to fall, sunny days contrast with cool nights, colors enchant the eye, and a cornucopia of food presents itself on the table. This unique time of year finds its match in the 2010 Belle Pente Belle Pente Vineyard Chardonnay. Richly flavored with notes of apple and spice, white flowers, pear and a little butter (but very little new oak), this wine blends warm aromas and texture with refreshing acidity. At six years old, this Oregon Chardonnay is drinking at its prime. Consider having it alongside the last of the zucchini, the just-harvested corn, or the upcoming squash and pumpkins. Try it with poultry, pork, or, best, Fall Chinook.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Holden Wine Company Johan Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 7-8-16

Holden Wine Company Johan Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

I’ve been training myself off of superlatives lately – wine sales and criticism bear no shortage of ’em, after all, and ‘Best Ever’ doesn’t carry the same weight after a half-dozen or more proclamations. Even so, I’ll proudly confess that this year, I have yet to experience a white wine as lovely as Holden’s 2014 Chardonnay.

Holden’s offerings are marked with an energetic, unique edge; you’re welcome to call them anything you’d like outside of ‘boring.’ While value is meaningless without quality and quality suffers when value is lacking, their Chardonnay delivers such a lovely combination of the two. I can’t really say enough good things about their lineup, so I’ll wrap things up with a few thirst-inspiring descriptors…

The Johan Chardonnay is layered and nuanced, going through malolactic fermentation while being spared overmanipulation.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay 5-23-16

Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($34.95) Buy Now: $28 special

Who’s to complain about more Drouhin wine from Oregon? Few winemakers possess the talent, experience, and intuition of Véronique Drouhin, be it State-side or in France. Domaine Drouhin’s latest acquisition, Roserock, gives Véro a chance to tease beauty out of Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir) from the cooler-clime Eola-Amity Hills AVA, whose volcanic soils nourish wines with typically-Oregonian depth.

The 2014 Roserock Chardonnay is crisp yet round (half stainless steel, half oak fermentation), pleasantly fruity (pear, honeysuckle, citrus), and only oaky enough to offer the smoothness and subtle warmth of Burgundian-style Chardonnay. Excellent to drink today with hors d’oeuvres, fish, white meat, or creamy cheeses, this delightful Chardonnay will happily age another few years.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Brick House Vineyards ‘Cascadia’ Chardonnay 2012 5-18-2016

Brick House Vineyards ‘Cascadia’ Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2012 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $33 special

At Brick House, their Biodynamic farming features careful but not excessive interventions. As a result, their wines boast outstanding complexity and transparency. Cascadia is fermented on native yeasts and is raised in only used oak, completing malolactic fermentation before aging for a full year on the lees. The wine presents a bit more weight and richness while maintaining buoyancy. Fantastic! – Tyler

Wine Spectator 91 points “This sleek, open-textured and inviting white is light on its feet, showing apricot-tinged pear and spice flavors and finishing with finesse. Appealing now, but should develop depth with cellaring. Drink now through 2019. 520 cases made.”WS

David Schildknecht – Wine Advocate 90-91 points “Last tasted from barrels (old demi-muids) in July, the pieces that will have become Tunnell’s 2012 Chardonnay Cascadia – from several clones (some top-grafted to older vines) – display fresh apple laced with candied lime peel and garlanded with honeysuckle.… Read the rest