L’Ecole No. 41 2015 Evergreen Vineyard Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $35
Perhaps the most precious gem in the Milbrandts’ collection of vineyards is Evergreen, a caliche-laden site in the young appellation that is the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley. While it forms the baseline of Marty Clubb’s large-scale Columbia Valley Chardonnay, Evergreen Vineyard gains spotlight on this Chardonnay. Its expressive nose of coriander, starfruit, Red Delicious apple and lemon zest leads to a smooth and creamy entry of pear butter with nuttiness and toastiness from 25% new French oak and surlie aging in 100% barrel fermentation. The zingy finish of lemon juice screams out for steamed mussels.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 135 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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