2022Columbia Valley Chardonnay
2022Columbia Valley Chardonnay
The 2022 Jaine Columbia Valley Chardonnay was crafted two distinct vineyards: Conner Lee Vineyard and Solaksen vineyards
The winemaking team worked with vineyard managers to restrict yields, creating concentrated, expressive berries. Canopy management and irrigation strategies were implemented to highlight the unique aspects of the vintage. Sugars accumulated early, but cool Fall temperatures allowed for flavors to catch up as sugars plateaued. Resulting in an expressive, vibrant, and dynamic Chardonnay.
Two separate Chardonnay clones were utilized, each imparting a unique layer to the final blend. Harvest was in the early mornings of the second week of October. At the winery, the fruit was whole cluster pressed and the bulk lees allowed to settle out overnight.
Both French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks were selected for fermentation to create layers of complexity. Full malolactic fermentation added texture and integration. The wine was barrel aged for 20 months and then racked off of its lees after one year. The final blend was cold stabilized in tank, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, producing only 741cases.
Green - gold luminous hue. The majority was fermented in stainless steel, resulting in a bright and beautifully focused character, while the remainder was aged in French oak barrels, adding subtle notes of barrel spice, vanilla, and lemon confit. The nose presents an aromatic blend of orchard fruits, and the mouthfeel is slightly oily, yet well-balanced with finely tuned tension. Allowing it sometime in the glass will reveal its full complexity and layered nuances.
100% Chardonnay