If you ever go to the Oregon wine country, go to Stoller, a picture-perfect estate in the rolling Dundee Hills. You won't regret it.
Until then, pick up some of their 92 point-rated (Wine Spectator) Chardonnay. It's all about balance and grace in this fresh, vibrant, and value-priced Oregon Chardonnay. Fermented and aged in a mix of tank, cement, and French oak, this is an ideal Chardonnay to enjoy with or without food.
It's a stellar value in easy-to-like and understand Chardonnay, and for fans of Macon-Villages, give this a swirl and a sip!
2022 Stoller Chardonnay Dundee Hills
92 points Wine Spectator, 91 points Decanter
ORDER NOW in our online store.
These days, if I'm drinking domestic Chardonnay, it's often from Oregon. I love White Burgundy, but it's increasingly difficult to find wines that excite me for less than $30. There are exceptions to that rule, but there aren't many. That's where Oregon Chardonnay fills the gap.
Today, the Chardonnays coming out of the state are better than ever, but that wasn't always the case. Oregon producers struggled with the grape early on, as most of the plantings were with California Wente clones. These clones thrived in the warmer California sunshine, but they struggled to ripen fully in the cooler Willamette Valley. After much trial and error, it was determined that the Dijon clones of Burgundy yielded much better and more balanced wines.
Case in point is Stoller's fabulous 2022 Dundee Hills Chardonnay. 100% Dijon clones fermented and aged in 8% neutral oak, 8% concrete, and 84% stainless steel, the wine picked up complexity and texture from twice-monthly batonnage (lees stirring). The finished wine is a ridiculous value that brims with classic Chardonnay aromas and flavors.
We blew through our first 14 cases of this one, but I was able to secure more. I'm glad I did...I want some more for drinking at home :) If you want my two cents, here's what I smelled and tasted. Pronounced lemon curd, pineapple, pear, white florals, jasmine, and spice. Broad and finely textured yet crisp and lively, this is a prime example of why you should be drinking Oregon Chardonnay.
Wine Spectator summed it up nicely too. "This pretty white is graceful yet rich, with floral lemon, Anjou pear and toasty spice flavors that linger on the plush finish."
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville