2023 Estate Wirtz Vineyard Chardonnay
This unfiltered Chardonnay has an intriguing aroma of lemon meringue and lychee fruits with flavors of apple and porcini mushrooms on the palate. The wine’s time in lightly toasted new french oak offers a well balanced integration of oak that creates the traditional richness of a Chardonnay while not being overwhelmed by any oaky or buttery characteristics. This balance leads to a long and complex finish of lemongrass.
This Chablis style Chardonnay displays forward aromas of green apple. meyer lemon zest and subtle star anise while grounded by a chalky minerality and subtle oak influence. On the palate, bright sea salted lemon and a savory component of chive balance the fruit and compliment the balanced finish.
Aged in Chablis barrels for 18 months in 40% new French oak and 60% neutral oak.
| Varietal | 100% Chardonnay |
| Varietal Composition | Draper clone
|
| Appellation | Willamette Valley |
| Vineyard | David Hill Vineyards |
| Harvest Date | 10/23/2022 |
| Sugar | <.02 g/100mL |
| Acid | .66g/100ml |
| PH | 3.19 |
| Aging | Aged 18 months 40% New French Oak and 60% Neutral Oak |
| Alcohol | 12.70% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 12/13/2023 |
| Cases Produced | 100 |
2023 was a great growing season in the Willamette Valley, and a particularly favorable vintage in the Tualatin Valley AVA. The spring was wet and cool, which culminated in and early May budbreak. The growing season was short as June was warm and July and August were hot, but there were no extreme weather events or dynamics that might present threats or problems in the vineyard. The consistent heat ripened the fruit and produced a rich concentration of flavor and weight, but the cooler nights in late summer and early fall - especially at the vineyard’s elevation, helped develop acidity in the fruit to give lift and support the richness of the vintage.
