WINE REVIEWS
2018 Tendril Wine Cellars
"Child's Play"
Chardonnay
Winemaker Tony Rynders started this new project in 2008 after 10 years of winemaking at Domaine Serene. This wine is not too serious and as the name suggests, it has a playful personality with lovely layers of delicate white peach and sliced apple undertones.
2016 Domaine Drouhin
Rose Rock
Chardonnay
Winemaker Veronique Drouhin fashioned this Chardonnay from three separate vineyard blocks grown in ancient volcanic soils within the cool fringes of the Van Duzer corridor. Within the core of this young Chardonnay are textures of lemon oil, melon and apple blossom. This wine can make a fashionable statement with food and finds balance at every level while finishing with a pure and crisp focus.
2015 Alexana
"Terroir Series" Chardonnay
Cardiologist and Indian-born Madaiah Revana MD. founded Alexana Vineyards in the Red Hills of Dundee, Oregon, naming it after his daughter Alexandra. Years earlier he established a well-known, high-end Cabernet Sauvignon project, Revana Family Vineyards, in St. Helena, California. This Chardonnay is stony, laden with minerals and wrapped in spices. It has a deep, concentrated core that remains lively through the end.
2017 Archery Summit
Eola-Amity Hills
Chardonnay
Gary and Nancy Andrus, founders of Pine Ridge Winery in Napa Valley, built this winery’s reputation beginning in 1993. Gary was a Burgundian Pinot Noir fanatic who was an early advocate of Pinot Noir grown in the far reaches of Willamette Valley. His deep-seated passion and innovations brought a new level of recognition to Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay program grew on the heals of Pinot Noir. There are 120 acres with five estate vineyards that incorporate organic and biodynamic farming techniques. The pale yellow color of this wine seeks a balance between lush yellow fruits and stone fruits. There are notes of citrus and lemon meringue that fill in the background.
2017 Knudsen Vineyards
Chardonnay
In 1971 Cal and Julia Lee Knudsen established this vineyard in the heart of Willamette Valley’s Dundee Hills AVA. In the early years, Cal had formed a partnership with Oregon pioneer Dick Erath. It is now under the guidance of second-generation family members. Page Knudsen Cowles, a graduate of Harvard Business School is an owner and managing partner. The aromas of this wine are lemon zest, apple and vanilla.On the palate this Chardonnay reveals a lovely silky texture and a mouth-feel that is seamless. It displays beautiful flavors of citrus and white melon with bright acidity that keeps it fresh on the finish.
​
By Perry Miroballi
2017 Lange Estate
"Three Hills Cuvee"
Chardonnay
Don and Wendy Lange founded this Dundee Hills property in 1989 and it is now under the direction of second generation winemaker and general manager Jesse Lange. Jesse crafted this Chardonnay from three premier vineyards in the Northern Willamette Valley;Lange Estate, Freedom Hill and Durant Vineyards. This wine was fermented in French Oak and Stainless Steel. It displays a beautiful golden yellow color with aromas of citrus, baked apple, creamy nutmeg and flint that jump out of the glass. This Chardonnay is round and rich with green pear, white peach, Mandarin Orange along with slight notes of almond. The finish is long and lush with lively crisp acidity. The bottle continued to show well the following day.
​
By Perry Miroballi
​
