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2001 Chardonnay
Anden Vineyard, Dijon Clone Release Date: 2/1/02 Retail Price $: 24.00 Availability: 276 cases Production Notes Anden Vineyard (formerly part of Seven Springs Vineyard) overlooks the fertile Willamette Valley from its position in the hills west of Salem. Growing on a steep southeast slope, the vines are protected from maritime winds by a fold in the hills. The soil is shallow clay over fractured rock at an elevation of 400'. The vineyard was planted with Dijon Chardonnay clones 76 and 96 in 1995. These clones ripen fully in Oregon's cool climate. After whole cluster pressing, the juice is barrel fermented using three yeasts in 44% new French oak barrels. The wine finished malolactic fermentation and was aged sur lees for 14 months. |
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Winemaker Notes
More than a decade ago, it was clear that the future potential for Chardonnay in Oregon would lie in newly available clones from Burgundy-the 'Dijon' clones. As soon as these were available in commercial quantities, I contracted with the growers of Seven Springs (now called Anden) Vineyard to replace all of our California clones with the newer plantings. Production began 1998 and as the vines get older, the resulting wines improve.
The Seven Springs Dijon clone Chardonnays have a Puligny-like character: sweet fruit and spice with great length. The Freedom Hill Dijon clone Chardonnays are more Mersault-like, darker fruit with a stony minerality and rich textures in the mouth.
Tasting Notes
This is the fourth harvest from Anden Vineyard. Each year the Chardonnay ripens at almost exactly the same time as the Pinot noir block a few rows over. And at even higher Brix levels. This may not seem amazing, but when the same area was planted to the 108 clone, it took two to three weeks after the Pinot noir was picked for the Chardonnay to barely get ripe.
Anden Chardonnay is both fruit and texture driven. For me, great Chardonnay must have lovely fruit, acidity, viscosity, and complexity of flavor. The wood must be in balance and act to compliment the wine, not be "catnip for humans". When Chardonnay is truly layered and in balance, it is very versatile to eat with, and fun to drink. I fully agree that most Chardonnays are mono-chromatic and out of balance. This wine is very layered and has an incredibly long finish.
Try Anden Chardonnay with grilled chicken, the classic lobster, or even foods as flavorful as duck breast. For reasons that I can not explain, the Chardonnays from this site are fantastic with ASPARAGUS. Yes, the bane of wine, it actually brings out the fruit and tastes lovely. If I am wrong, call me up, I'll replace the bottle. Enjoy!