OREGON
CHARDONNAY
96 00 Wines 2018 Richard Hermann Cuvée Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills). A single new French oak barrel was given the distinction of producing this reserve-level wine. It’s very much in the style of the previous vintage: incredibly rich, palate-coating and creamily delicious. Details of apple cobbler, Key lime pie and cantaloupe come through, and despite the overall power of the components, they all remain in focus and in proportion. The lengthy finish adds toasted hazelnuts and a hint of butter brickle. —P.G.
abv: 14.1% Price: $150
95 00 Wines 2018 Freya Hermann Cuvée Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills). One of three winery reserves named for family members, this was aged for 23 months in a one-year-old French oak puncheon. It’s smooth as silk, a rich weave of apricot, melon and papaya fruit, with highlights of buttery pie crust and sweet spice. The nicely focused finish lingers for several minutes. —P.G.
abv: 14.3% Price: $175
Sourced from the Chehalem Mountain Vineyard, this was fermented via the black Chardonnay (intentional oxidation) method and aged 23 months in a one-year-old puncheon. The puncheon aging seems to have smoothed over and softened the mouthfeel. It’s a generous wine with ample peach and melon fruit, leaning into papaya. The acidity is sufficient but not intrusive, and with
