2020 Colene Clemens "Estate" Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains, Oregon, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

From the  Producer: "Chardonnay production at Colene Clemens began in 2013 with purchased fruit. We have since planted 6 acres on our estate, and 2021 marks the fifth vintage sourced entirely from our estate property. Over the course of 11 months in barrel, we strive to build texture, flavor, and body from the lees and barrel time, creating a wine that is supple and layered with firm underlying acidity. Comprised of Dijon 76 & 95, the fruit is hand-picked and sorted before being gently pressed and cold settled, then barreled down. This vintage is a blend that is 24% new oak via 500-liter puncheons, 42% used French oak,and 34% stainless steel. Both primary and malolactic fermentation occur in barrel, while the wine is aged on its fine lees with minimal stirring for 11 months before being blended and bottled in February of 2022."

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

From the Producer: "Located where the Chehalem Mountains converge with Ribbon Ridge, our 122-acre property was acquired in 2005 and first planted in 2006. With an elevation of 350 to 650 feet, this rocky, south-facing hillside is composed of marine sedimentary and volcanic basalt soils. Completely dry-farmed, our 62-acre vineyard consists of five different clones: Wädenswil, Pommard, Dijon 115, Dijon 114, Dijon 667, and Dijon 777.

Our farming practices can best be described as sustainable, and we utilize organic farming whenever possible. We are firm believers in taking care of our soil, practicing crop reduction for low yields, and hand harvesting our fruit at its optimal physiological ripeness."