What began as housing development that would earn a spot along Portland’s 2016 Street of Dreams has been modified and transformed into one of the Willamette Valley’s young cult producers, thanks in large part to the work of hired gun Laurent Montalieu. Indeed, when winery owners Gordon Root and Rick Waible decided to “hire the French guy,” Tumwater Vineyard immediately began to take shape a tee shot from Oregon Golf Club. This 2017 Barrel Select Chardonnay is reserve yet restrained, thanks to Montalieu’s approach with neutral French oak. Buttery aromas also allow for hints of lychee, cantaloupe, lemon oil and graphite. There is delicious richness that borders on opulence with orange Creamsicle and pineapple flavors on the entry, followed by cantaloupe on the midpalate that’s capped by butterscotch and Lemonhead candy. Now surrounded by 22 acres of young vines, Tumwater Vineyard is destination for city dwellers and a shining star along the emerging Mt. Hood Territory Wine Trail.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 13.3%
Leave a Reply