2005 Shea Wine Cellars Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Chardonnay

14.15% alc., 245 cases, $35. Dick and Chris take Chardonnay seriously. This Chardonnay walks the line between the heavily-oaked, full-malo, buttery Chardonnays and the more austere, acidic Chablis-styled ones. Chris both barrel ferments and tank ferments the Chardonnay in separate lots and mixes the two together. The Chardonnay Dijon clone vines are cropped at less than two tons per acre like the Pinot Noir, resulting in Chardonnay with fine concentration and quality. Plans are to increase production to 600 cases a year. · Admirable crispness with tropical (banana), pear and citrus notes in the aromatics. Vanillin from oak adds interest. Terrific sipping wine or very appropriate for the table with shellfish. Reviewed January 30, 2008

Winery: Shea Wine Cellars
From article: Shea Wine Cellars & Shea Vineyard