Apple, pithy lemon, toasted brioche and hints of stone fruit. Great acidity and balance. — 4 years ago
Really nice. It’s a newer world meets old world Pinot. — 5 years ago
Nice weekday wine — 6 years ago
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
I thoroughly enjoyed this. — 6 years ago
A very decent Pinot Noir sourced from the Winderlea Vineyard, located right in the very heart of the Dundee Hills AVA, it is fully Biodynamic certified and the company is B Certified as well. The predominant soil and access to the vineyard is volcanic with a south-faced slope, and elevation up to 580ft above sea level. Some of the vines were planted as far back as 1974 utilizing Dijon clones from Burgundy.
Loved the aromatics and some of the complexity layers ranging from dark cherry fruit, floral notes and a mix of spices.
The acidity on the palate is bight, vivacious and concours with the nose on the dark cherries, blackberries and the array of spices. Pleased with the structure and mouthfeel, some subtle touch of herbs and nicely balanced. Feel youthful and fresh. Small production. Nice to cellar it. Cheers! — 5 months ago
Cherry, raspberry, cranberry, currant, loamy earth and oak. Light-bodied and soft tannins. — 4 years ago
Black cherries, raspberries, wild strawberries, vanilla, with a hint of spice. Elegant and ponderous. Great value for the price. — 6 years ago
Mark Mannebach
Lovely Rose, dry with soft tones of cranberry and strawberry. Nice finish. — 2 months ago