2019 Matteri Vineyard Chardonnay
Yamhill-Carlton AVA
Tasting Note
An elegant and complex Chardonnay with fresh apricots, nectarines, and pineapple mixed with layers fig jam, warm spices, and hints of butterscotch and ocean brine. 154 cases produced
How we make our Chardonnay
Impressed with the Chardonnay fruit coming from the free-draining marine soils found in the hills of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, we decided to release a small-production vineyard-designate from Dr. Robert Matteri's - Matteri Vineyard. The fruit was hand-picked and gently whole-cluster pressed to avoid extracting bitterness from the skins. The juice then made its journey into 120-gallon Puncheon French oak barrels (25% new) to undergo primary and secondary fermentation, with lees stirring during the first six months. During its 10-month elevage in barrel, the wine was never racked.
The 2019 Vintage
After a warm May and a healthy, early fruit-set, the summer ended cool with no threat of the sunburn or hazy, smoky skies seen in recent years. We expected to pick in early September, but weeks of unseasonably cool weather took us by surprise. Rather than rushing to pick too early, we waited patiently for concentrations and sugar levels to rise. Expect wines with a big ripe core of concentrated fruit and a bright, fresh profile.