00 Wines
VGW Chardonnay
Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Rounding up here. Closer to 89-90 upon opening, but fleshed out and mellowed (in a good way) later in the day. 91+
I’ve had the VGW, EGW, Eola Springs and the Richard Hermann and found the VGW to be the most different. The vein of simileties between these Chardonnays is a fair bit of reduction, but the others have this sweet-smoke to them…the VGW comes across more sweat/vegetal on the nose. I put it in a decanter and left it alone for an hour and it had shed that note and revealed grilled lemon and oyster shell in its place. Deep yellow in the glass with a bright yet mid weight profile. It’s not rich nor is it lean. Herb crusted yellow fruits and lemon oil dominate the palate. Stoney/mineral driven. I corked this after 6hrs and then revisited the next day and found that it was fairly similar to the last glass I had the evening before. Obviously a few years will benefit this, but if opening now, definitely give it a decant.
I’m not sure I can compare this Oregon Chardonnay to anything else. 13% ABV, and I suppose it’s very “Oregon” as I could see it being a bridge between OR and burgundy.
Rounding up here. Closer to 89-90 upon opening, but fleshed out and mellowed (in a good way) later in the day. 91+
I’ve had the VGW, EGW, Eola Springs and the Richard Hermann and found the VGW to be the most different. The vein of simileties between these Chardonnays is a fair bit of reduction, but the others have this sweet-smoke to them…the VGW comes across more sweat/vegetal on the nose. I put it in a decanter and left it alone for an hour and it had shed that note and revealed grilled lemon and oyster shell in its place. Deep yellow in the glass with a bright yet mid weight profile. It’s not rich nor is it lean. Herb crusted yellow fruits and lemon oil dominate the palate. Stoney/mineral driven. I corked this after 6hrs and then revisited the next day and found that it was fairly similar to the last glass I had the evening before. Obviously a few years will benefit this, but if opening now, definitely give it a decant.
I’m not sure I can compare this Oregon Chardonnay to anything else. 13% ABV, and I suppose it’s very “Oregon” as I could see it being a bridge between OR and burgundy.
