2021 Chardonnay Creme Brûlée Magnum

This vineyard follows the Vinewise best management practicPoulet à la Moutardeess meeting strict production, maintenance, and sustainability requirements. The grapes were picked admittedly a little on the late side, the last remnants of a good growing season. It was a case of buying “what was left” and just like the dog at the shelter that gets left behind ironically always turns out to be the best companion, well you get the picture…

 

During the barreling process we did secondary (malolactic) fermentation to encourage a fuller, flavor profile with some added mouth feel. And the barrels we used were very neutral. All designed to cast off both the “overly oaked” AND the “sterile stainless” Chardonnays that many of us have come to dislike.

 

This 2021 Chardonnay has a wonderful lighter golden color, deeper than most but not as deep as the overwrought ones. The nose has a fleshy, rich cantaloupe or melon effect. And although barreled in neutral oak, it has virtually no oak on the palette. Like none; zilch, nada.

 

But the oak did give it lots of personality, especially its creamy, dense mouthfeel. But not an overtly malolactic intensity, either. Its flavor features subtle Meyer lemon, papaya, and mango. And all these flavors are super-integrated.

 

We think this one works. It is a sophisticated chardonnay but like many of our whites, without pretense. You should buy a bottle, make a decent piece of fish, and report back to us.

 

Yakima Valley AVA
Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard