Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Chardonnay and another White

2014 Alloro Vineyard Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay

13.4% alc., 250 cases, $34. 100% estate grown and bottled. 50% Dijon 76 and 50% Dijon 96.Barrel fermented, full malolactic fermentation with batonnage, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of grilled pineapple, orange bitters, butter sauce and nori. Lemon, pineapple and white peach fruits form the core of this unpretentious wine. Slightly creamy in the mouth, with some acid-driven minerality and a lingering, citrus themed finish. Score: 89

2014 Amalie Robert Heirloom Cameo Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 60 cases, $50. From a single block of estate Chardonnay planted to Dijon clones 76 and 95. Whole cluster pressed and vinified in a single 500-liter French oak puncheon without batonnage. Full malolactic conversion. Aged 14 months on the lees. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Engaging aromas of lemon curd, cut apple, pineapple, honeysuckle and stainless steel. Delicious flavors of yellow apple, blonde caramel, poached pear and pineapple. Ripely fruited in this vintage producing a buxom wine that is yet toned and trim. Very satisfying, with a slightly creamy texture and a noticeably heady finish. Score: 93

2015 Big Table Farm The Elusive Queen Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

13.3% alc., $85. Released April 11, 2017. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of lemon curd, green apple, and toasty oak. Full flavored and soft on the palate, featuring tastes of lemon, lime, white peach, pear and apple. Seamless, with vanillin oak in the background, and a lasting, uplifting finish. This wine leans more on refinement and delicacy than an explosion of fruit. Score: 92

2015 Lingua Franca AVNI Willamette Valley Oregon Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $40. Avni means “of stone” or “rock” and is a signature of Eola-Amity Hills geology. Fruit is from Jory soils found in Salem’s Bunker Hill Vineyard, Dundee Hills Durand Vineyard, and a Yamhill-Carlton site with a contribution of fruit from Laubejac vineyard with Willakenzie soil. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Soaring aromas of lemon curd, spiced apple, pineapple and ocean breeze. Highly satisfying in a crisp and bright style, featuring flavors of citrus, pear and green apple embellished with notes of slate, steel and subtle buttery oak. The finish is notable for its tight grip of acidity and length. A lovely wine. Score: 93

2015 Rain Dance Estate Nicholas Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Oregon Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.30, TA 0.58, 204 6-pack cases, $30. Inaugural Chardonnay.Sourced from Nicholas Vineyard, a 40-acre vineyard planted in 2001, 2008 and 2015 in Jory and Laurelwood soils at an elevation of 544 feet. Harvest Brix 22.3º. Dijon 95. Double hand sorted, whole cluster pressed, aged in French oak barrels, 25% new, 25% once filled and 50% neutral. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Deep well of aromas including lemon, pineapple, white peach, honeysuckle, spice and buttery brioche. Slightly creamy on the palate, with vibrant flavors of citrus, banana, and vanilla cream with a riff of stony minerality. Well endowed with spirited acidity making for refreshing drinking. Score: 93

2015 Van Duzer Bieze Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.24, TA 0.64, 243 cases, $40. Wine Club exclusive. First Chardonnay since 2001. 100% clone 76. Fermented in small lots in 40% concrete tank, 10% new oak, 20% neutral oak and 30% stainless steel . · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Invigorating aromas of green apple, hay, fresh sea air and steel. Polished and harmonious on the palate, with flavors of yellow pear and nectarine. Very slight tannins and a long, juicy finish. Score: 91

2015 Van Duzer Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Blanc

13.48% alc., $25, screwcap. Barrel fermented and aged on the lees. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Delicate nose offering demure aromas of apple, lime and poached pear. More giving on the palate, with flavors of apple pie, peach and pear backed by bright acidity. Crisp and juicy with a soft mouthfeel and a good cut on the finish. The tender fruit flavor is typical of this varietal. A good food wine. Score: 88

2014 Walnut City Wineworks Reserve Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.19, 104 cases, $30. 50% Bunker Hill Vineyard and 50% Robinson Vineyard. Harvest Brix 21.8º-22.4º. Whole cluster pressed to tank, inoculated in barrel. Primary fermentation over 3-5 weeks and secondary fermentation another 2-3 months. Batonnage monthly while the wine spent 10 months on the lees. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Fresh aromas of green apple, lemon, pomelo and nutty oak. Nicely composed, with appealing flavors of citrus, green apple, and pear, finishing with a quenching burst of lemon-lime fruit. Bright in character with good tension. Score: 90