Kramer Vineyards 2012 Dijon Clone Estate Chardonnay, Yamhill-Carlton District, $20
Kim Kramer, her family’s second-generation winemaker, poured this among the 39 other producers at the grand tasting for the 2014 Oregon Chardonnay Symposium. The average price at the event was double the asking price for this estate production, yet hers deserved to be right in the middle of the discussion with all of them. It captured that fruit-forward style with Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear and Key lime, but there’s just a hint of mint and oak. Indeed, about 60% of the primary barrel treatment was older French, while nearly 30% was performed in stainless steel. Picking was done at 22 Brix, which allows for a deliciously balanced presentation of pear, lime, pineapple and lychee flavors. Its bright acidity should make for a pleasing suggested pairing with crabcakes.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 175 cases
Alcohol: 13.2%
Yay ans congratulations for Kramer Vineyards! I have always wanted the best for this winery and it seems they have an even brighter future ahead of them with Kim Kramer as their head Winemaker.