Chardonnay

Straight Shooter Chardonnay 2021

Winemaker:
Felipe Ramirez
Region:
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietals:
Chardonnay
Clones:
Massal Selection
Maturation:
50% matured in seasoned French oak for 10 months
Analysis:
13.2% alc/vol
Fruit sampling under the moonlight
AVAs & Vineyards
The fruit for Straight Shooter was hand-harvested from selected vineyards planted in sedimentary and volcanic soils across the Willamette Valley.
Vintage
The 2021 vintage is outstanding; another hot and dry year in Oregon delivered balanced and beautiful fruit, resulting in deeply colored wines already showing intense aromatics. Tannins are falling right in line with lovely natural acidity, meaning 2021 vintage wines look to be very enjoyable in their youth, requiring little or no cellar time.
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested in the cold of the morning and transported to the winery. Bunches were immediately pressed and the juice was transferred to stainless steel tanks for cold settling. After being racked off solids the juice was allowed to warm naturally and was then inoculated with cold tolerant yeasts. After fermentation, 50% of the wine was matured in seasoned French oak for 10 months prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Lively aromas of fresh pear and Macintosh apple, with a hint of vanilla and baking spice lift from the glass. A light, fresh body features a smooth approach, fleshy and alive with loads of fresh citrus, white peach and quince. A standout Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley at an incredible value.
90 pts/Best Buy

“Honeyed mirabelle plum and toasted filbert aromas make a fetching pair. Lemon shaved ice and fresh basil flavors are equally refreshing. Decent acidity, with some midpalate weight.”  

Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast (April 2023)