Double Gold, 2024 Pacific Northwest Wine Competition
92 Points, 2024 Pacific Northwest Wine Competition

This Chardonnay, our first, was designed to “split the difference” between stainless and oak. All too often you get a Chard that is certifiably crisp or on the other hand, it’s a bit like chewing on a piece of oak. This is no way to live, folks!

This wine gets along with whatever you can throw at it; whether it’s a day at the beach or you’re planning that special Poulet à la Moutarde this coming weekend.

Yakima Valley AVA
Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard

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The name, Vielle Vigne (“old vines” in French) refers to a vineyard in Rattlesnake Hills. And this chardonnay is a real tribute to the intensity that grapes from old vines can produce. Most growers don't keep old vines because they do not yield as much, and they require additional care, as they can be fragile.

This wine upholds this standard. And Rattlesnake Hills is a great source for Chardonnay and many other white grapes. We used new Argonne oak barrels for this effort along with some stainless and suffice to say, the Argonne oak did its job well. It produces oxygen transfer but without the overly oaked effect. 

This is one sophisticated Chardonnay…but without pretense.

Rattlesnake Hills AVA
Château Puryear Vineyard

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Silver, 2024 Pacific Northwest Wine Competition

This wine is a bit of a rogue. But it’s a nice rogue who is well-mannered and always says please and thank you to strangers.

There isn’t much Roussanne grown in Washington, and in fact, not a whole lot grown in the United States. And in the northern Rhône region of France where it originates, Roussanne is typically blended with Marsanne. And usually, it’s done in stainless steel. 

So, this approach? Well, this is a single varietal (to hell with the Marsanne) and it was subjected to barreling in oak. A more sophisticated approach…one that might have been done in France traditionally…before the time when we decided stainless steel was a thing.  

This oak was very neutral, so just like most of our other whites, we were striving for an entry point that’s smooth, round, and that has mouthfeel. But without the “oakiness.”

And we do have a few fellow adherents to this kind of Roussanne approach down in California.  Only we’re not so sure that their Roussanne says please and thank you, like ours does…

Yakima Valley AVA

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Silver, 2024 Pacific Northwest Wine Competition

Have you ever tried to do something entirely different than following all the mandated prescribed rules? Sometimes it works great, other times not so much? 

Well, we feel this one worked! And in fact, it becomes quite the “stumper” in double blind tastings. We typically hear “what the heck IS this?” followed by “I really like it.” 

This is one Sauvignon Blanc that’s never seen stainless steel and defies convention. It’s deeper, neutral, and soft. On the other hand, IS a porch pounder that demands a fish taco, but it had better be a fish taco made with some fresh halibut.   

Full Disclosure Ahead: If you you’re in love with those grassy New Zealander Sauv Blancs, you may want to take a pass. On the other hand, you know what? Give this one test drive, anyway. You may just find yourself a new love. 

Yakima Valley AVA
Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard

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