2016 Chardonnay McDuffee
The Chardonnay we produce from premium McDuffee Vineyard grapes exudes notes that resemble the fabled Montrachet Chardonnays of France yet are distinctly Columbia Gorge. Fermented and then aged in mellowed American and French Oak (barrels that have been used for other more oaky white wines for at least two years prior to us using them), our 2016 Chardonnay is bright and lively with tempting aromas of lemon custard and apricot. The palate is soft and smooth with a silky mouth-feel and a pleasantly light acidity. Our Chardonnay is not at all oaky nor is it an austere stainless steel style; rather, it represents a perfect balance for Chardonnay lovers from both sides of the spectrum. One of our favorite and simple pairings with this gorgeous wine is John’s Dungeness Crab Cakes with a Lemon Aioli Sauce, a custom recipe we provide with every purchase.[show_more more="Read More” less="Show Less”]Terry McDuffee’s Vineyard is located in the Mill Creek Valley just south of The Dalles, Oregon. A sleepy farm community home to numerous agricultural crops including cherries, wheat, apples, grapes and more. The vineyard was planted in 1983 with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mcduffee Vineyard is a beautiful site with limestone soil; similar to that of southern Cote du Beaune, so naturally, Chardonnay thrives here. [/show_more]
Pairs well with: seafood (mussels, clams, crab, lobster), Caesar salad, bisque
2015 Chardonnay Reserve
Aged in neutral oak, the Chardonnay Reserve has an extraordinarily balanced acidity with a rich fruit quality. Smooth notes of gardenia, honey suckle, and delicate macadamia nuttiness tempt the nose while the palate contains nuances of Meyer lemon custard and orange peel, and finishing with a lingering and light acidity perfect for food. Our favorite pairing with this wine is Anna’s Butternut Squash Soup, a recipe card provided with every purchase of the wine.[show_more more="Read More” less="Show Less”]Our 2015 Chardonnay Reserve comes from the McDuffee vineyard south of The Dalles. The vineyard owner, Terry McDuffee, is a veterinarian who has lavished enormous attention to the vineyard. Lonnie Wright, who also owns and operates The Pines Vineyard and Winery, manages McDuffee along with several others of the vineyards we source from. It has long been known as an exceptional site and we have enjoyed this fruit for over 13 years. As with all of our Chardonnays, it was fermented in the barrel with the lees stirred throughout the first six months. We have a medieval approach to our wine and our Chardonnays in particular. The age-ability of this vineyard shows extremely well in the Chardonnay Reserve. [/show_more]
Pairs well with: Brie, seafood, nuts, Caesar, bisque, sautéed vegetables, honey glazed desserts, custards, flan, crème brulee
BRONZE MEDAL WINNER
2019 Savor NW Wine Competition