Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Winderlea Vineyard & Winery – Chardonnay 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
This isn’t just any Willamette Chardonnay — it’s a benchmark. Crafted from a mosaic of top vineyards: Carabella (35%) in Chehalem Mountains, Hyland (33%) & Meredith Mitchell (23%) in McMinnville, and Winderlea Estate (9%) in Dundee Hills. Together, they deliver harmony and terroir depth that rivals fine Burgundy, while staying true to Oregon character.

Aromas & Flavors
Rich layers of peach, apricot, and crisp apple glide seamlessly into notes of citrus zest and a subtle kiss of toasted oak. The aromatic lift is both elegant and generous, hinting at orchard blossoms with a faint mineral streak.

Mouthfeel
Succulent and textured, yet framed with precision. Bright acidity keeps it vibrant, while a creamy mid-palate offers weight and length. Still radiant in 2018, showing both freshness and polish.

Winemaking Notes
Fermented and aged in French oak barrels with a Burgundian sensibility, highlighting texture over heaviness. A balance of fruit purity and oak finesse.

Food Pairing
Perfect with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken with herbs, or creamy risotto with chanterelles. Its lively acidity also makes it a stellar partner for soft cheeses.

Verdict
A standout Chardonnay from Oregon, balancing Burgundian elegance with Willamette soul. Priced above regional peers, but every sip justifies it. Truly one of the finest examples of Oregon Chardonnay in recent years. Cheers! — 2 months ago

K L

9.2

Great value and very good. — 8 months ago

with Matt

Amy Rehagen

9.0

Smells like eating black cap raspberries in the middle of a fresh tilled garden of thyme and spring lettuces. — 2 years ago

joy horn

9.3

Bought at winery 9/23 $75. Coury Clone Ribbon Ridge. Super smooth. Rich. Awesome! — 2 months ago

K L

9.1

Kurt rec. we like their Pinot. Good trialing but a little sweeter. — 7 months ago

John Willison

9.1

Crushed dark berries, licorice, sweet tannins. — 8 months ago

Mandar Juvekar

9.1

Crisp and slightly juicy. Slight acidity, but not a ton. — 2 years ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.4

This really does have Chambolle character. See Lyle’s notes. Light in color, bright, some tea notes but for the most part beautiful fruit, touch cherry, raspberry, citrus… and very soft tannins - days later under my Argon line- faint prune plum. Wouldn’t age this - it is perfect now! — 6 months ago

Dennis Hogenkamp

9.4

13.0% ABV Medium in color. Aromas of cherry primarily.
Love the Hyland Vineyard & Coury Clone. — 7 months ago

Seth Masterson

9.3

It was love at first sip. — 2 years ago