J.P. Valot continues to nurture his young Valcan Cellars brand while making the wine for historic Silvan Ridge Winery in Eugene, Ore. The source for the affable Argentine’s own Chardonnay is Houston Vineyard, and 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of Steve Houston planting his namesake sit soon after graduating from the University of California-Davis’s viticulture program. Valot barrel ferments the clone 108 Chardonnay, which Houston planted just a year after his arrival. There’s a light tropical note to the aromas of Bosc pear, starfruit and a slice of fresh marshmallow. Those hints are realized on the palate where there’s an enjoyable structure that adds jasmine and lingering lemon oil to the delicious finish.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 106 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
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