2014 Citation Oregon Chardonnay

“There is more than enough Chardonnay produced without eloquence: oaky, alcohol-laden and insipidly fruity. We approach this alluring grape differently: combining the richness of New World fruit with the classic structure of the old world’s artistry.” -Howard Rossbach
 

This exceptional chardonnay is packed with aromas of citrus, butterscotch, spun sugar, vanilla bean and ripe apples. It’s rich and mouth-filling with a touch of toasty oak followed by a hint of baking spices on the lingering finish.

In 2014, a warm Spring and the earliest bloom in 35 years set the stage for our earliest harvest to date.  On September 10th and 15th, perfectly ripe grapes were harvested from two small plantings of Chardonnay: one, atop Erratic Oaks and the other nestled high in the foothills of Oregon’s Blue Mountains.

After whole-cluster pressing and barrel fermentation, the wines aged in French oak for eleven months.  By blending high-elevation, old-vine Chardonnay with our young Dijon clone planting in the heart of Willamette Valley, we have achieved new levels of complexity, richness and balance.