2016 Chardonnay

2016 Chardonnay

Chardonnay
OR - Rogue Valley
$30.00 / 750 mL Bottle
  • Alcohol 14.3%
James Suckling 92 Wine Review Online 92
Barrel aged in 100% French oak, our 2016 Chardonnay features a rich, layered texture and bright finish of spice and ripe tropical fruit. Grown in the Rogue Valley region of Southern Oregon, our vibrant 2016 release is a beautiful example of an "Oregundian" Chardonnay. NAUMES FAMILY VINEYARDS, ROGUE VALLEY (OREGON) CHARDONNAY 2016: The Rogue Valley in southwestern Oregon does not have the cachet — yet — for wine that the Willamette Valley has. Wines from the Naumes family suggests that will change. The Naumes family has been growing fruit trees in Oregon for over a hundred years and added grapes and wine only in 2013, according to their website, making them a somewhat new player in the Oregon wine industry. This Chardonnay and their Viognier show they either have extraordinary beginner’s luck or plenty of talent. One success might be luck, but two suggests talent. This is a graceful Chardonnay, delivering fresh apple-like notes enhanced with just the right hint of ripeness. Bright acidity in the finish makes it a delight to drink now. 92 Wine Review Online, Michael Apstein Some grilled spices and nougat with hints of praline and butterscotch, making for a complex style with ripe peaches below. This follows on the palate, which is nicely integrated and carries the complexity long into the finish. Drink now. 92 James Suckling

Notes

Vinification notes: Fruit was carefully handpicked in the cool of the morning, then gently whole cluster pressed. Juice was barrel fermented and aged – in about 35% New French, 25% once-filled French and remainder neutral French oak barrels. 60% of the wine underwent the malolactic fermentation, providing a soft mouthfeel and subtle notes of butter, while the remaining 40% in neutral French oak did not undergo the malolactic, thereby providing higher acidity, vibrancy and clean fruit to the final wine. The wine was aged sur-lies (on the lees) with bottonage (stirring) to add complexity, weight and round out the mouthfeel. Rich, yet vibrant – a beautiful example of “Oregundian” Chardonnay.