Minnesota native Gina Hennen celebrated her 10th anniversary at Adelsheim Vineyard last year as she took over the winemaking program from David Paige, and this winsome Chardonnay as part of their Staking Claim project reflects that transition. (It is one of four examples of Chardonnay produced by this iconic Chehalem Mountains property.) This harvest of LIVE-certified fruit spent a year in French oak, with 23% of the lot being new wood. It makes for a merely a veil of inviting oak in the nose behind lemon chiffon and Bosc pear notes. There’s bright lemon on the entry, which joins a touch of pear butter to create marvelous mouth feel. A finishing splash of blood orange and touch of pear skin tannin makes it fascinating and friendly for shellfish.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 644 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Leave a Reply