2021 Jaine "Evergreen Vineyard" Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington

ABOUT THIS WINE

100% Chardonnay. Crafted from Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA. Evergreen is a sustainably farmed high-elevation vineyard with varied soil types, which contribute complexity to the wine. It was harvested early in the morning on October 8^th. Upon arrival at the winery, the Chardonnay was pressed, fermented, and aged entirely in stainless steel to focus on the purity of fruit. After seven months of aging, the wine was bottled in April of 2022.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Born and raised in Washington State, the Otis family is grateful to live in such a dynamic wine region. In 2008, the Otis family rescued Matthews Winery from financial difficulties and since then, has worked alongside remarkable winemakers to empower them in the mission to produce the purest expressions of Washington State wines. In their journey to elevate Matthews, the Otis family has launched new wineries that focus on the delectable wines that can only come from Washington State. These are Tenor, Jaine, Blackboard, and Single Barrel.

Jaine focuses on single vineyards across the Columbia Valley. Vines grown in Ancient Lakes, Royal Slope, White Bluffs, and Wahluke Slope AVAs are deeply vibrant and expressive in nature.

Ali Mayfield is an independent winemaker based in Walla Walla, WA. Mentored by the late Stan Clarke, she completed the viticulture and enology program at Walla Walla Community College in 2007. Ali has honed her craft at Long Shadows Vintners, Corliss Estates, and Tranche Cellars, working alongside winemakers such as Gilles Nicault, Kendall Mix, and consultant Claude Gros. As consulting winemaker at Foundry Vineyards, Ali's first vintage of 2011 Chardonnays earned scores of 92 and 94 (Editor's Choice) from the Wine Enthusiast - among the highest Chardonnay scores garnered by a female winemaker in Washington State. The 2011 Stainless Chardonnay was also listed as one of Wine Enthusiast's "2013 Top 100" wines. Focusing on small lot, handcrafted wines, Ali is passionate about every step of the winemaking process. Her "leave no stone unturned" approach begins by hand-picking vineyards and constant, thoughtful care of their fruit. As she puts it, "Constantly striving to be better, pushing your boundaries, taking risks...that's how you create beautiful wines."