Carlton winemaker Byron Dooley does his best to promote Oregon’s Chardonnay movement with this vineyard-designate offer from Gran Moraine, a 210-acre site that features Dijon clone 76 and farms it using Salmon-Safe practices. Many in the Pacific Northwest can remember the September rains that complicated harvest for some, and it pushed back the pick for this lot until Oct. 4. And yet, this falls in alongside some of the state’s best efforts with Chardonnay, starting with crisp aromas of Bosc pear, apple blossom, starfruit and hints of minerality. Bright orchard fruit flavors reign supreme, leading with white peach, Gala apple and lots of lemony acidity. Pear skin and a touch of toasted marshmallow on the finish – a sign of the 25% new French oak – make for a beautiful package.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 98 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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