Early in 2022, Eugene winemaker Aaron Lieberman used a Pinot Gris to capture best of show in McMinnville for proprietor Pamela Frye, so it wasn’t a surprise that this Chardonnay from Frye’s Chalice Vineyard went Platinum — or Double Platinum. The Areté tier takes a reserve angle, which explains the beautiful pear, Golden Delicious apple and buttery caramel approach. But the Lieberman’s desire of age-worthy acidity explains the underlying hint of green tea that carries into the finish of ginger. Qualifying award: San Francisco Chronicle (gold)
Rating: Double Platinum • 95 points
Production: 160 cases
Alcohol: 13.2%
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