Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $25
Estate plantings in the Coastal Range foothills, cooled by afternoon breezes through Van Duzer corridor, were turned into a beautiful Chardonnay by McMinnville winemaker Ariel Eberle. This yield of 2.7 tons per acre — taken Oct. 18 at 23 Brix — never saw wood, accounting for a nose of dusty pear, Golden Delicious apple, lemon oil, timothy hay and minerality. The drink is a juicy one with Bartlett pear, mint and apple peel, producing succulent lime juice acidity that lingers in the corners. Suggested fare includes scallops, shrimp or Copper River salmon.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 138 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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