Chardonnay popular on both sides of Columbia River

Welsh Family Wines 2015 Dell’uccello Vineyards Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $30

Dan Welsh, a product of South Seattle College’s Northwest Wine Academy, has set up shop in Portland’s Southeast Wine Collective. His work here with Draper clone 108 Chardonnay from dry-farmed Dell’uccello Vineyards south of Eugene, Ore., was done with native yeast and mix of neutral French oak and stainless steel. It’s tantalizing and mouthwatering throughout, opening with a mix of gooseberry and spearmint with tutti frutti aromas that include a whiff of Corn Nuts. Delicious acidity arrives up front and keeps this drink of starfruit, kiwi and fresh-cut celery a succulent one. Bring on the steamed mussels.

Rating: Recommended

Production: 75 cases

Alcohol: 13.6%

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