Eola-Amity Hills AVA

The 2021 Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay is focused on our classic Burgundian winemaking style, with just enough oak to provide the necessary structure to this wine. In 2021, we returned to using only grapes from Orchard House vineyard, the estate of our winemaker Joe Dobbes. This returns the flavor profile of the Chardonnay closer to the 2019 vintage than the 2020 which had some fruit from the vineyard next door, demonstrating the impact of vineyard
selection on any particular vintage.

Our 2021 vintage underwent malolactic fermentation, which preserved the crisp acidity as well as gave it a creaminess on the finish which differs from our 2019 vintage. This combination results in a wine that exhibits the classic essential characteristics of great Oregon Chardonnay and echoes the balance of many great French white wines. Many drinkers will note lemon peel and pear on the nose with a delicious vanilla finish. The wine has a fullness while maintaining the structure that is the hallmark of our Chardonnays.

Farming and the 2020 Growing Season

The 2021 growing season finally returned to what might be considered normal in the Willamette Valley, contrasting with 2019, 2020 and now 2022. With a balance of cool mornings and hot days, the 2021 growing season returned to producing average to slightly above average yields. Our approach to winemaking remains to express the unique characteristics of the vineyard and the vintage and you can taste some of the differences in our 2021 Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay compared to earlier vintages.