Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 The Estates Evergreen Vineyard Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $22
Some of Washington state’s top white wines — including Chardonnay and Riesling — come from the Milbrandt brothers’ Evergreen Vineyard not far from the Gorge Amphitheater. Harvest during this historically hot vintage arrived for this Chardonnay on Oct. 9, and the entire lot spent time in oak — with 20 percent of the program in new French oak. There’s a balance of fruit and wood in the elegant aromas of light toast, San Pellegrino Limonata, Spanish almond, cardamom and clarified butter. The entry is rich, round and easy with butter and warm caramel as the fruitiness picks up on the midpalate with Golden Delicious apple, ripe pear and a touch of mango. In the finish, there are hints of butterscotch and more almond. Enjoy it with Butch Milbrandt’s Gazapacho with Shrimp Skewers.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 577 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Leave a Reply