Colene Clemens Estate Chardonnay (Oregon) 2019

We are excited to introduce Joe Stark who, along with his wife Vicki, owns Colene Clemens Vineyard in Oregon. Having worked in his father's small cabinet shop during his upbringing, the desire to establish his own business always burned within him. Over time, their journey kindled a deep appreciation for fine wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Little did they anticipate that Oregon's northern Willamette Valley, their own backyard, would evolve into a global hub for exceptional Pinot Noir cultivation. As they acquired the means, the natural progression was to create a vineyard and winery. The search for the perfect location was extensive, ultimately discovering an old, neglected farmstead with optimal attributes - south-facing aspect, elevations ranging from 350ft to 650ft, premium Pinot Noir soils, and captivating views. Remarkably, their vineyard sits just a stone's throw away from their former rental home where their first child was born. From the outset, their unwavering goal was to produce the finest Pinot Noir possible, maintaining uncompromising standards in vineyard preparation, farming practices, and winemaking. Guided by the skilled and dedicated Steve Goff as winemaker and vineyard manager, they meticulously employed proven, minimally invasive methods to realize this ambition.

The journey of this wine begins with meticulous hand-picking and sorting of the fruit, ensuring only the finest quality grapes make it into the blend. After a gentle pressing and cold settling, the juice is carefully transferred to barrels for fermentation. This vintage saw a harmonious blend crafted, comprising 24% new oak from 500-liter puncheons, 42% used French oak, and 34% stainless steel. Both primary and malolactic fermentation take place in the barrel, allowing the wine to develop complexity while aging on its fine lees with minimal disturbance for 11 months. 

This wine captivates with its intricate layers of aroma and flavour, unveiling notes of lemon, brioche, and delicate white flowers, complemented by a subtle hint of apple pie. On the palate, it offers a supple and refined texture, culminating in a bright and lingering finish. Enjoyable on its own, this wine also pairs exquisitely with a variety of seafood dishes, enhancing any culinary experience.