VGW Chardonnay

Fabulous - drinks like a burg

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.

Pop and pour. Paired with a medley of roast vegetables: broccoli with olive oil, cayenne and nutritional yeasts, carrots wth cumin and olive oil, and cauliflower with nutritional yeasts and liquid aminos; yes, very vegan again. On the nose: wow, soft noble struck match, lemon oil, sweet apple, lemon, and a soft cooling mint. On the palate: fantastic acidity and density: black and white pepper, lemon, loads of mineral and wet stone, then soft white pepper and bright lemon on the finish. Absolutely lovely.

Really enjoy this Oregon Chardonnay.

Pale gold with just the slightest tinge of green. The nose excites instantly with some really nice floral accents. There’s a nuttiness and richness here that is just divine. Peaches and cream, honey and brioche. Spiced apples. It just smells so damn good.

For their entry level Chardonnay, this has terrific refinement. From the Willamette Valley in Oregon, it is, dare I say it, Burgundian! Wonderful balance with just the right acidity. On the palate, the apples and honeydew stand out. Nice, long finish with a bit of spice. I would love to revisit this new friend years down the road.

Burgundian yes but not in that faux annoying way many wines try to pull off. Truly so reminiscent of its French counterparts, but the truth is, this is true to itself and to the terroir. And we’re better off for it.

I like this one a lot. I really think this needs more time to fully evolve, but it’s drinking nicely now. An elegant Chardonnay. Super golden color really stands out. A nice minerality that hits mid palate. For me it’s the wet stone and acidity that I like the most, along with the subtle fruit. Definitely not trying to be a California Chard. Burgundian style in Oregon? Maybe.

Read @Aravind A review from 2/25/21 below. If blinded on this wine I would have said PM at 1er level or above from a notable producer. I’ve not had a better Chardonnay from OR.

Lovely full bodied Chardonnay. Apples, citrus, nice acidity. Should age well if you choose.

Flinty, struck match, white Burgundy nose. Lemon zest, high acid, but a bit hollow on the mid-palate

Honestly very good