In 2020, The Seattle Times selected the Chaleur Blanc as its No. 1 wine of the year, and critics across the country have come to view it as a prototype for white Bordeaux blends from the New World. For the bottling from the 2021 vintage, Jason Gorski arrived at a blend of 67-33 of Sauvignon Blanc and Sèmillon from storied sites Boushey, Conner Lee, Klipsun, Phinny Hill and Sagemoor vineyards. Attractive tropical aromas hinting at pineapple, passion fruit and lychee are joined by early-spring crocus shoots, minerality and freshly sliced white button mushrooms. There’s more restraint on the brilliant palate which is layered with orange blossom, white tea, sage, earthiness and minerality. It’s a showy and confident white that’s remarkably food-friendly and routinely appeals to those who often prefer red wines. Qualifying awards: Sip Magazine Best of the Northwest (double gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold)
Rating: Platinum • 92 points
Production: 8,500 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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