James Suckling (97)

Delightful on the palate, the 00 Wines VGW Chardonnay 2018 is a testament to the expert craftsmanship of this lauded Oregon-based producer. Conscientiously sourced from vineyards of the Willamette Valley region, its elegance is shining proof of the exceptional new-world terroirs to be found in Oregon.

Harvested by hand then gently whole cluster pressed, the juice ferments naturally in French Oak puncheons. The wine ages on lees for 16 months, undergoing a subtle malolactic fermentation. This meticulous process lends to the 00 Wines VGW Chardonnay 2018's complex minerality and balanced acidity.

Essences of orchard fruits and citrus intertwine with nuances of toasted oak, offering up an exceptionally immersive tasting experience. Its intimated undertones and superb structure make it a quintessential choice to pair with rich dishes. A truly extraordinary addition to any fine wine collection, the 00 Wines VGW Chardonnay 2018 harmoniously marries innovation and tradition.

Antica Terra Aurata Chardonnay 2021 is the epitome of finesse and precision in craftsmanship, a testament to the boundless prowess yielded by Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Carefully produced by respected winemaker Maggie Harrison, a descendent of the distinguished Burgundy wine tradition, every essence of this Chardonnay exudes harmony and elegance. The grapes used are meticulously handpicked from nutrient-dense, marine sedimentary soils, then fermented using wild yeasts in the cellar.

A masterful display of winemaking technique, the Antica Terra Aurata Chardonnay 2021 offers a tantalising nose of crisp apples, white flowers, and a hint of toasted hazelnut. This reflects the vibrancy and intricate layering of flavours on the palate, well-supported by acidity, presenting an impressive balance between richness and minerality. Further ageing potential leaves enthusiasts eager for the continued evolution of this wine’s depth and complexity. A perfect accompaniment to a refined dining experience, the Antica Terra Aurata Chardonnay 2021 is a beacon of remarkable Willamette Valley viticulture.

Exemplifying Oregon wine-making heritage, the Bethel Heights Casteel Chardonnay 2017 is a sumptuous potion all fine-wine aficionados must try. Produced by the acclaimed Bethel Heights Vineyard, nestled within Willamette Valley, this distinguished Chardonnay represents the prodigious elevation of their most prominent vintage.

Harvested from prime old vine fruit, fermentation took place entirely in French oak barrels, resulting in richly layered complexity. Possessing harmonious acidity, silken texture, and intriguing minerality, this wine features vibrant notes of crisp apple, citrus, honeycomb, and an enchanting nuttiness.

The 2017 Bethel Heights Casteel Chardonnay offers lingering finish hinting vanilla, ensuring a memorable encounter. It's a breathtaking anecdote of the winemaking prowess Bethel Heights brings forth through a regal balance between traditional methods and innovative approach.

Elevate your tasting experience with this resoundingly expressive Chardonnay, a veritable symphony in a bottle.

Exuding sophistication, the Bethel Heights Casteel Chardonnay 2018 is an exquisite example of Oregon's Willamette Valley region's unique offerings. Carefully crafted by the eminent Casteel Family, its 30-year old vineyards imbue a depth of character and complexity to the grapes. This vintner's pride aligns traditional methods with modern techniques, hand-harvesting their grapes and ageing the wine in French oak barrels, delivering a distinct, balanced intensity.

The Bethel Heights Casteel Chardonnay 2018 catches your senses with captivating floral aromas, seamlessly merging with delightful notes of fresh peach, crisp apple, and honey. On the palate, you can relish the array of flavours, from citrusy zest to layered minerality, all complemented by a full, creamy texture and subtly resonating oak nuance. This intricate Chardonnay concludes beautifully with a lingering, harmoniously integrated finish, characteristic of its meticulous creation process.

Affirming its status, this artefact of a wine embraces the authenticity of its origin, offering a sensory experience that represents the extraordinary allure of Bethel Heights Casteel Chardonnay 2018.

Appreciate the allure of the exquisite Bethel Heights Casteel Chardonnay 2019, a wine that embodies the elegance and finesse of Oregon's terroir. Crafted in the renowned Eola-Amity Hills Vineyards, the luminous golden offering proudly showcases Bethel Heights Vineyard's commitment to sustainable viticulture and ecologically responsible wine production. Each grape is hand-harvested, adding an artisan touch to every bottle. Purity is the cornerstone of Bethel Heights' minimalist winemaking style, allowing the grape's true character to shine. The flavour profile harmoniously encompasses ripe pear, lemon zest, spicy oak, and warm brioche, encapsulating a beautifully balanced palate. Overall, the Bethel Heights Casteel Chardonnay 2019 elegantly tends to its roots, displaying its pure essence of place to create a lasting impression. An eminent connoisseur would indeed appreciate the charm of this fine American Chardonnay, distinguishing it as a delightful addition to any refined collection.

The Bethel Heights Eola-Amity Hills Justice Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 is an expertly crafted product from Oregon, USA. This wine is the embodiment of the finesse and passion of Bethel Heights Vineyard, a remarkable producer with long-standing credibility in the fine wine industry. Made with carefully selected grapes, it flaunts a lovely straw hue and wraps up hints of citrus blossom, apple and white peach. Fermented and matured in French oak barrels, it promises a pleasing taste profile with a rich mouthfeel.

The Chardonnay's environment-friendly viticulture practices ensure exquisite flavours and ethereal quality. On the palate, the experience is profound with nicely configured acidity balanced by a touch of creaminess, ripe citrus flavour and an alluring underlay of lees-driven funk and minerality. The careful oak treatment adds depth, making the Bethel Heights Eola-Amity Hills Justice Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 a model of the high-quality Chardonnays produced in the cool climate of Oregon's esteemed Eola-Amity Hills.

The Bethel Heights Eola-Amity Hills Justice Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 is a truly exquisite, limited production wine originating from Oregon's Willamette Valley. Crafted by the esteemed Bethel Heights Vineyard estate, renowned for their minimal-intervention philosophy and sustainable farming practices, this Chardonnay is the epitome of their craftsmanship. The vineyard's unique Eola-Amity Hills location, imbued with volcanic soils and a cool climate, lends this Chardonnay a captivating minerality and vibrant acidity.

The 2021 vintage presents a sophisticated complexity, showcasing a harmonious balance between lush fruit flavours and understated oak influences. Expect a heady bouquet of ripe peaches, crisp apples and zesty citrus notes, harmonised with delicate hints of honeycomb and brioche due to its elaborate barrel fermentation and lees-ageing process. The Bethel Heights Eola-Amity Hills Justice Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 is a remarkable manifestation of its terroir, a real delight for any discerning palate.

Embark on a sensory journey with the exquisite Evening Land Summum Chardonnay 2021. This sublime wine is born from the Seven Springs vineyard in Oregon's Eola-Amity Hills, USA, known for its volcanic soils and maritime climate. Handcrafted by the world-renowned Evening Land Winery, acclaimed for highlighting distinct terroirs, this Chardonnay is a testament to their dedication to bare-handed winemaking.

Meticulously hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, the wine matures in French oak barrels. The result is a harmonious marriage of crystalline purity and opulent texture. On the nose, nuanced notes of citrus and wet stone unfold, while the palate is graced with complex layers of ripe pear, honey and subtle minerality.

With its remarkable ageing potential, the Evening Land Summum Chardonnay 2021 promises to evolve beautifully, offering wine aficionados an unforgettable tasting journey. Succumb to its allure and add this elegant expression of nature's finesse to your cellar today.

Sumptuously talented winemaker, Larry Stone, presents to the world the Lingua Franca Sisters Chardonnay 2019. Crafted in the fruitful heartlands of Oregon’s prestigious Eola-Amity Hills, this Chardonnay champions the region's distinctive gravely and volcanic soils. The Lingua Franca Sisters Chardonnay 2019 is biodynamically farmed, embodying meticulously hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed grapes of Strawb clone, a variety renowned for its bright acidity and longevity.

The handpicked grapes are fermented in striking French oak barrels enhancing the wine’s superb richness and mouthfeel. Notes of crisp apple and lemon layer atop a creamy texture flourishing with a smooth, long finish that impressively matches the complexity found in a Burgundy premiere cru. Larry Stone's attention to sustainable cultivation practices and intuitive winemaking reveals itself splendidly in the Lingua Franca Sisters Chardonnay 2019, a bottle brimming with America's captivating vision of world-class Chardonnay.

Nicolas Jay Willamette Valley Affinites Chardonnay 2018, a pinnacle of Oregon's enology, represents sophistication and craftsmanship. From Nicolas Jay, an esteemed collaboration between Burgundian winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo and music executive Jay Boberg, this Chardonnay is emblematic of their exceptional commitment to quality. A cool growing season in the Willamette Valley has encouraged intricate nuances in this wine. Witness a captivating blend of elegance and complexity as it is fermented within a seamless integration of stainless steel and French oak, imbuing the palate with an opulent texture and pristine clarity. Savour lush notes of golden apple, fresh pear, hints of white peach, underlined with subtle minerality and a whisper of custard, a testament to the diligent lees stirring during its maturation. An indulgence for discerning palates, the Nicolas Jay Willamette Valley Affinites Chardonnay 2018 presents brilliance in a bottle, delivering a riveting ode to the captivating terrain of its origin.

Wine Advocate (97)

Wine Advocate (93)