Luisa Ponzi crafts four distinctly different styles of Chardonnay, and the younger Avellana Vineyard represents half of her two prized vineyard-focused Chardonnays grown certified sustainably in the Laurelwood soil that defines the Chehalem Mountains growing region. Nothing is rushed and the restraint is apparent with her use of full malolactic fermentation, weekly stirring of the lees for six months, a total of 18 months in 100 percent neutral French oak barrels and then six months in bottle prior to release. Elegant aromas of dusty rose petal, lemon, ghee, dried pear and white pepper lead to flavors of starfruit and dried papaya. The enjoyable finish is reminiscent of creamy Bosc pear and honeydew melon. This offering, as well as its sister from Aurora Vineyard, are available at tasting room and online as well as a handful of select locations.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 115 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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