Old Stones Chardonnay, Willamette Valley — 2021
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Introduction
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We believe strongly in the power and promise of Oregon Chardonnay. Old Stones Chardonnay is the baby sister to our Sigrid Chardonnay. We select fresh-fruited and mineral-laden barrels of wine to highlight Oregon Chardonnay at its most charming and elegant. Succulent upon release and ready to pair with many foods, especially dishes containing fresh seafood, shellfish, mushrooms, hazelnuts, and artisan cheese.
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Vineyard Profile
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Estate-sourced from Bergström, Winery Block, La Spirale, Silice, & Le Pré du Col Vineyards in Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, and Chehalem Mountains AVAs. Chardonnay represents about 15% of total Bergström estate acreage.
- Appellation: Willamette Valley
- Vine Age: Average 25 years old
- Soil: Balanced blend of marine sedimentary sand on sandstone bedrock/shales and red, volcanic soils on basalt
- Exposure: Primarily south-facing at elevations between 375 & 500 feet
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): September 1-September 9, 2021
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Vinification
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Whole-cluster,”champagne-style,” gentle, and lengthy press
- Fermentation: Native fermentation in 10-15% new French oak barriques and select large format vessels (oval foudres, puncheons, and demi-muids)
- Malolactic: 100% malolactic and alcoholic fermentation (no residual sugars or malic acids)
- Aging: 18 months élevage on lees
- Filtration: Polishing filtration prior to bottling
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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A pale, straw-colored wine with a green hue that is sure to transport you to the sea with its salty succulence and crushed oyster shell notes. Acacia flowers, white pepper, and pear are highlights of an intensely floral expression. Crisp flavors of lime and stone fruit ensure a delightfully light-on-it’s-feet mouthfeel with electric acidity and a long finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Chardonnay, Old Stones, Willamette Valley – 2021 – James Suckling – 93 Points
“Creamy in texture yet vibrant in racy acidity, this medium-bodied wine is balanced to a tee and ready to enjoy now or saved for the short term. Offers tangy lemon zest, crisp green apple and delicate lactic accents along with mild oak spices.”
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Chardonnay, Old Stones, Willamette Valley — 2021 – Vinous – 92 Points
"The 2021 Chardonnay Old Stones wafts up with a spicy, citrus-driven bouquet of lemon oils, hints of mint and crisp green apple. Luxuriously smooth with a pleasant inner sweetness, it flows across the palate with seductively ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices. It concludes with incredible length and potency, yet amazingly fresh with a lingering sapid fruit concentration. For all of the ripeness in this glass, the 2021 finishes with zero grams of residual sugar. What a darling."