In the past 12 months, Kevin Mott’s larger-production Chardonnay from Celilo Vineyard (70%) and Woodward Canyon Estate seemingly has not lost a step. His barrel program of 20% new oak makes for a graceful nose of dusty lemon and pear with vanilla and light toast, while the complex flavors hint at crisp Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear with fresh pineapple. There’s just enough oak influence and malolactic fermentation to build the pleasant midpalate, and the lemon juice and citrus pith combine for a remarkably long finish. There’s plenty of acidity to make this delicious with food. This vintage earned a number of gold medals at competitions in the past year, and it’s proving to live up to its Woodward Canyon pedigree — a Chardonnay you can feel quite confident to cellar, even though May 21 is #ChardonnayDay.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 650 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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