The Harris family has devoted its vineyard plantings across its magnificent 100-acre estate near Stanwood to Pinot Noir, so they now focus their attention on one of Washington’s most acclaimed cool-climate vineyards — historic Celilo. And helping to guide them is consulting winemaker Brian Carter in Woodinville. Those efforts resulted in the top-scoring Chardonnay of the Platinum. Surlie aging for 10 months in 25% new French oak only begins to explain the tones and texture as Mandarin orange, Irish butter and lemon Christmas cookies, plus a scrape of cinnamon bark and a balancing lick of lime zest. Qualifying award: Bellingham NW (gold)
Rating: Double Platinum • 96 points
Production: 117 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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