Evenstad Reserve Dundee Hills Chardonnay

See previous Delectable notes. Initial vanillin aromas of high quality oak which blends with the peach and other stone fruits beautifully. Notes of rock melon. I don’t like repeating pro notes but Jancis’s comments re popcorn aromas hits the spot. This wine has developed beautifully over the 4 years I have owned it. Those early notes of guava and citrus are now more pear and cumquat. This was Wine #2 in Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2016. The following night the vanilla oak to the fore again but it seems to work in this case.

medium straw colored, watery rim; somewhat muted, lemon, green apple, beeswax, wet gravel; tart citrus, wet stone, a bit of lanolin on the finish; medium body, dry, medium acidity, 14.2% ABV; made from Dijon clone sourced from Dundee Hills, aged 13 months in 31% new French oak; still going strong at this point in its development

At the Toowoomba Wine Show Judges Dinner - this was the wine I brought. See previous notes here on Delectable. An excellent Chardonnay from Oregon, this was Wine No. 2 in Wine Spectators Top 100 for 2016.

Pale to mid Lemon in colour. Initial notes of Vanilla Oak - a bit of leesy funk. Palate is medium plus intensity with some citrus and ripe grapefruit - generous with minerality and good length - a buttery note on the palate. An excellent new world Chardonnay from Oregon. This was Wine #2 in Wine Spectators Top 100 for 2016.

The 2017 'Evenstad Reserve' Chardonnay follows an exceedingly long line of beautiful releases, as the consistency of this wine is unparalleled in Oregon. The wine is a barrel selection sourced from a host of great Dundee Hills AVA vineyards. On the nose this takes on gorgeous aromatics of toasty lemon infused brioche with peat moss and lighter cantaloupe tones that all collide in the glass. The exceptional texture entices and adds to the drinking enjoyment. Ripe pear, apricot, lemon oil and shades of Challah bread with wet stone all collect momentum on this distinguished palate. While gorgeous in its youth, this stunning wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 95

Pleasant poached apple, quince...notes of cinnamon and caramel....really nice candied lemon peel and lemon curd...my friend says there’s “plenty of lap dance in this wine.” (and yes, we’re only on our first bottle)

Clean yet rich. Want to lay down a couple and try again but I’ll probably drink them all.

Another stunning release from Domaine Serene, the 2015 'Evenstad Reserve' Chardonnay saw 40% new French oak for 13 months prior to bottling. This beautiful wine opens to inviting aromas of brioche toast, nectarine, Pazzaz apple and suggestions of heavy cream. Balanced and poised, yet showing serious mid-palate weight, this possesses a seamless, silky texture laced with flavors of key lime, crème brûlée, toast and orchard fruits which continue to build on the near minute long finish. This is a masterful effort by Domaine Serene and their winemaking team. Drink 2019-2030- 94

Known for their outstanding Pinot Noir’s, this Chard is a “must try” from OR. Aromas of stone and tropical fruits, with elegant floral notes, barrel fermented for 14 months, 30% new French oak. On the palate rich flavors of apple and pear, complex, vivid acidity with a citrus presence. Smooth and soft, lingering, great mouthfeel ending with a lemon mineral character. Good now but you can set this beauty down for a few years.

A fascinating juxtaposition that lands somewhere between a poached pear, butter and vanilla, mellow malo Chardonnay style and fresh orchard fruit, pineapple, and citrus approach. Ultimately it leans more towards the former, but the balance is notable and evident of why Wine Spectator named this as their number 2 wine of 2016.