Few varietals, if any, carry the intrigue and emotional resonance of single-vineyard Chardonnay. Revered in Burgundy, Sonoma, and Oregon, this grape inspires a rare devotion. Chardonnay has a singular ability to express both region and site with remarkable clarity through texture, minerality, and lift.

We are fortunate that several Columbia Valley growers had the vision to plant small blocks of Chardonnay in exceptional sites, trusting that this grape could speak meaningfully to our region. It is no surprise that Solaksen Vineyard, in the Royal Slope AVA, has emerged as one of its iconic sites.

The 2023 Jaine Solaksen Chardonnay is a single-vineyard wine from the acclaimed Solaksen Vineyard, located in the Royal Slope AVA.

Across the Columbia Valley, 2023 proved to be an exceptional vintage for white wines, especially Chardonnay. Working in close collaboration with our vineyard manager, the winemaking team implemented yield restrictions and precise canopy and irrigation strategies to enhance concentration and preserve the unique character of the vintage.

Harvested in the cool early mornings of the first week of October, the fruit was whole-cluster pressed directly into 100% French oak barrels. A variety of barrel formats were used to build depth and complexity. Fermentation unfolded slowly at low temperatures over several months, followed by full malolactic fermentation to add richness and texture.

The wine aged on its lees for a full year before being racked, then continued aging in barrel for a total of 23 months. Just nine barrels were ultimately selected for the final blend, producing only 216 cases.

Bottled unfined and unfiltered, this is a blend of Chardonnay clone 95, 96, and 76.