2022 King Estate Grand Oak Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

The wine opens with striking aromatics of honeydew melon, papaya, white peach, anise, toasty sweet oak, light butter and some nuttiness. Soft fruit upon entry reveals more layers of flavor including mango, lemon, hazelnut, crème caramel, baking spice, buttery toast and graham cracker. The wine is delicious and flavorful with a sultry texture that resonates through a strong finish.

Vineyard Notes

Originally planted in 2001 as Nicholas Vineyard, the 40-acre site was acquired by the Austin family in 2014 and renamed Grand Oak Vineyard. Elevation is between 350 and 650 feet. With just 33 acres under vine, Grand Oak features two types of volcanic soils, Jory and Laurelwood. Rich in iron, Jory is the official state soil of Oregon. Laurelwood soil is unusual for the area. It consists of windblown loess over a well-drained volcanic foundation.

Winemaker Notes

The fruit was whole cluster pressed and fermented in both oak barrels and a concrete “egg” vessel. Partial malolactic fermentation occurred in 500-liter French oak puncheons and barrels, undergoing weekly bâtonnage. (Puncheons are twice the size of standard oak barrels.) Sur lie aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, 27% new.

Technical Notes

• Vintage 2022
• Varietal
• Appellation Willamette Valley
• Alcohol 13.5
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