I've had good and likable Chardonnays from the Willamette Valley, but nothing has knocked my socks off like Brick House Vineyards' 2009 Cascadia Chardonnay. Tasting at the winery back in September, this was silky and rich with nice exotic & stone fruit along with subtle spice and depth. I really liked it then. Recently I opened a bottle to see if it might live up to the potential from the winery visit. The price was reasonably in the low $30's.
Brick House is located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA of Willamette Valley- 40 acres of biodynamically-farmed grapes planted in sedimentary soils along rolling hills. Their wines are made in a Burgundian style of gentle handling in the cellar and expression of terroir. Wines are produced by hand using only native yeast fermentation and are bottled unfined and unfiltered. The Chardonnay is a blend of Dijon clones originating in Mersault. It is barrel fermented in neutral French oak, resting on its gross lees prior to bottling.
2009 Brick House Vineyards, Cascadia Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley
Pale gold color. Evokes honeydew melon and tropical fruit like guava; along with river rock, floral and honey notes. Just hints of butterscotch too. That's just the bouquet- it drinks with a neutral creamy richness that the fruit and hints of spice glide across. Stitched together with balanced acid. Lingering mouthwatering finish. Exceptional on its own or with food. Develops after opening- ageworthy. 13.6% ABV. (I love!)
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