2018 Tenor Chardonnay

The 2018 Tenor Chardonnay was crafted from three vineyards along the Royal Slope in the Columbia Valley AVA. Farmed using sustainable practices, the vines were limited to one or two clusters per shoot for maximum concentration. They were then hand-harvested over several very early mornings in late August and mid September. Upon arriving in the winery, each cluster was hand-sorted, berry-sorted, and then 100% barrel fermented. Using only the free-run wine, it was then moved to custom French oak barrels for 21 months of cellaring. After nearly 50 individual evaluations by our winemaking team, only 6 barrels and 2 puncheons were selected and bottled, without fining or filtration, on August 11, 2020. These barrels and puncheons resulted in only 296 cases.

Bottle: $50

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"The 2018 Chardonnay showed nicely, with bright lemon curd and pear fruits to go with a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, racy style on the palate. It picks up a kiss of green almond and minerality with time in the glass, and I suspect it will have a solid 5- to 7-year drink window."

91 points - Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com

Tasting Notes

Enticing nose of white flowers, meyer lemon, fresh brioche and a hint of raw baking spices. Swirling brings up honeycomb, sweet citrus, and white peach. The palate is poised, fresh, with consistent balance and a glasslike polish. A mixture of young citrus, stone fruits with a hint of crème brûlée and fresh spice carry the long finish.