Nose
NOSE: flinty, mineral, bright, creamy, white peach, anise, light toast.
Palate
Layered with the full spectrum of Chardonnay flavors: mineral and flinty with ripe pear and peach, and hint of toast, one is reminded of the lovely white wines from Burgundy.
MOUTH: pear, crisp apple, vanilla, honeysuckle, light toast.
Growing Conditions
We sourced mainly from four distinct sites to achieve the balance Marie-Eve was after in this warm year. Crawford (Yakima Valley) has established old vines (1993) and yields balanced fruit with great stone fruit flavors. Birch Creek (Walla Walla Valley) contributes ripe pear flavors. Celilo (The Gorge) contributes minerality, citrus, green apple and bright acidity. Weinbau (Wahluke Slope) produces assertive Chardonnay with ripe peach and pear flavors.
Harvest
2015 Was much warmer than normal for Washington State. Harvesting our whites earlier allowed us to retain freshness, lively flavors and acidity.
Although harvest was early, the rhythm of incoming grapes was nicely spread out and we had ample time to ferment both whites (all our Yakima Valley Chardonnay was picked by the end of August) and reds, without feeling much of a crunch. Harvesting our whites earlier allowed us to retain freshness, lively flavors and acidity while we patiently waited for the reds to pack up flavors, complexity, and power through longer hang time.
Bottling
Bottled Date July 2016.
Aging
100% French Oak; 35% New, 65% Neutral for 10 months.
Food Pairing
Grilled shrimp, avocado tuna tapas, creamy mustard tarragon chicken.