Carabella Vineyard 2010 Dijon 76 Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains, $27

Oregon winemakers spent more than a decade trying to import Chardonnay clones from Burgundy to Oregon so they could start working with superior grapes. Dijon clone 76 was one of the first to arrive in the mid-1980s. This example from a Wilsonville winery opens with aromas of jicama, kumquat, lemon curd, toast and banana chip. On the palate, it offers rich flavors of butterscotch, pineapple and apple with a reminder of shortbread in the finish.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 375 cases

Alcohol: 14.3%

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