SOLD OUT. Thank you!
AWARDS
Wine rating of "Outstanding!" from Great Northwest Wine, November 9, 2021.
The editors write:
"Attorney-turned-winemaker Robert Bailey, a product of Washington State University’s enology program, continues to trickle out micro-lots of buzzworthy bottlings under his project in Portland. He first attracted attention with single-lots of Cabernet Sauvignon from acclaimed Washington vineyards, and his 2018 off DuBrul Vineyard ranked No. 11 on The Seattle Times year-end list for 2021. Here’s a delectable effort in just his second commercial vintage with America’s favorite wine, which he pulled from the Washington side of the cooler Columbia Gorge. His use of French oak builds texture without imparting barrel notes, starting with clean, fruit-forward aromas of lemon curd, apricot, dried Bartlett pear and a bit of pineapple. Pleasing richness on the entry leads to delicious balance and a flow of flavors that include honeydew melon and cantaloupe, finished with a nibble of pear skin. Bailey offers up this recipe via chef Greg Priest, whose résumé included Albertina’s Place in Portland, for shrimp ceviche to enjoy with this Chardonnay."
Our 2018 Chardonnay was aged in French oak barrels, where it went through malolactic fermentation. It is NOT an oak or butter bomb though. In fact, the wine is medium-bodied and well-balanced. Tropical aromas, wet stone, and subtle oak spice mingle with green apple and lemon cream flavors. The wine drinks well now but will cellar for up to 2 more years.
Our fruit came from the Columbia Gorge AVA. Like the Walla Walla Valley AVA, the Columbia Gorge AVA includes vineyards in both Washington and Oregon. This fruit comes from the western portion of the AVA on the Washington side which is noted for a cooler, marine-influenced climate perfect for growing Chardonnay and other white varietals. Not to mention that the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful areas in the Pacific Northwest!
Our fruit came from the Columbia Gorge AVA. Like the Walla Walla Valley AVA, the Columbia Gorge AVA includes vineyards in both Washington and Oregon. This fruit comes from the western portion of the AVA on the Washington side which is noted for a cooler, marine-influenced climate perfect for growing Chardonnay and other white varietals. Not to mention that the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful areas in the Pacific Northwest!