Karl and Coco Umiker’s vineyard in the Lewiston Orchards is in its second decade of life, and its growth has allowed them to present this proprietary blend as an entire estate presentation. Legally, they could label this is Chardonnay (86%), and there is a slight influence of 30 percent new barrel involved, but they round this out with Viognier (9%) and Riesling. The Chardonnay takes center stage, starting in the nose with bright tropical fruit notes, slices of dried apricot and Granny Smith apple and a squirt of lemon oil. Inside, it shines with white peach, starfruit and lemon pith in the finish. The 50 percent stainless steel fermentation, ripeness of fruit and enjoyable mouth feel make this a pleasant quaffer. Try this — pronounced as “lock saw” — on someone who says they don’t like Chardonnay, and serve with sushi.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 236 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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