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 … [Read more...] about Iris Vineyards 2018 Areté Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $34.99
Search Results for: arete chardonnay
Chardonnay plays an important role in Washington
Chardonnay has been at or near the top of the heap in Washington wine country for the better part of 30 years. But how did it get to that position? The ubiquitous white wine grape's origins in Washington state are somewhat murky. According to The Wine Project, Ron Irvine's superb history of the Washington wine industry, the grape arrived in either 1963 or 1964. Washington … [Read more...] about Chardonnay plays an important role in Washington
Chardonnay popular on both sides of Columbia River
Chardonnay is by far the most popular wine in America, and in the Pacific Northwest, it also has strong support. In Washington, it is the No. 1 white wine grape, keeping ahead of Riesling but lagging behind Cabernet Sauvignon. Across the Columbia River in Oregon, it is the No. 2 white grape behind Pinot Gris and far behind Pinot Noir, the state's signature wine. Chateau … [Read more...] about Chardonnay popular on both sides of Columbia River
Barnard Griffin 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Best Buy! The hottest vintage in Rob Griffin’s 39th year of winemaking in Washington state meant he and winemaking daughter, Megan Hughes, brought in their Chardonnay from their estate Caroway Vineyard and longtime farming families at Arete, Lonesome Spring Ranch, Crawford vineyards earlier than ever. About a third of this was fermented in French oak and a third went through … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14
Ancestry Cellars 2011 Reunion Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $25
A product of the Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle Community College, South Sound native Jason Morin crafts his wines in Woodinville's Warehouse District. For this vintage, he reached into Arete Vineyard on Radar Hill near Othello, Wash., and then kept a light hand on the oak. That makes for aromas of dried apple, baked pineapple, poached pear and anise. What follows is a … [Read more...] about Ancestry Cellars 2011 Reunion Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $25