2017 Beaux Freres Chardonnay Willamette Valley

(94 Points) “A blend of four vineyards that were all picked earlier in the ripening cycle, this has a very attractive, fresh and baked-apple nose with hints of chalk and wet stones. Poached pears, too. The palate has a smooth, very succulent and plush texture, carrying rich, assertive, pear, melon and apple flavors. Very balanced delivery of fruit weight and freshness. Drink or hold.” James Suckling.

Sleek and seamless, with orange blossom aromatics and freshly steeped jasmine tea leading to electric verve on the palate. This, combined with a long, flinty finish creates a precisely radiant frame for this supple yet brightly balanced Chardonnay.

From the project to the program — the release of our 2017 Willamette Valley Chardonnay ushers in an elevated era for our portfolio moving forward. Where previous vintages of this wine varied in quantity and vineyard sourcing, this release reflects our deeper commitment to the varietal, a greater confidence in our house style, and an overall willingness to give this beam of light its time to shine. Increasingly sourced from family estate vineyards (Sequitur & Star Mooring), at just 287 cases produced, we’ve left some room to grow in the vintages to come. Belle Seours