Like its Pinot Noir counterpart, the Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay is fairly consistent from vintage to vintage – it is the flagship wine of Domaine Serene’s Chardonnay program. Domaine Serene is known for it’s skillful blending, bringing together small-lot fermentations to produce wines that speak to Oregon’s unique cool-climate terroir. It came to the fore in 2016 when Wine Spectator awarded the 2014 vintage the honour of Top White Wine of the Year.
Featuring fruit from Dijon clones grown in the winery’s premier Dundee Hills vineyards, the wine spends just over one year aging in French oak. It is a beautiful shade of pale yellow with intense aromas of Key lime, ginger, and brioche. While certainly not shy, this wine really opens up with a little time in the glass, showing a sweeter aromatic layer of Meyer lemon, honey, graham cracker, and buttery pastry. It’s a bit like a fond memory of a favourite boulangerie crossed through with a summer breeze from citrus grove. On the palate, citrus and melon take centre-stage, while vibrant acidity is brought into harmony by a rich, creamy mouthfeel and balanced oak. The finish is long and lingering.
“This is a standout among the winery’s very strong Chardonnay portfolio. It’s densely packed with flavors of lemon, lime, grapefruit and pineapple, offering a posh mix of citrus set against zippy acidity. A hint of citrus peel puts a frame around the finish and sets this up for cellaring. Enjoy through 2028.”
94 points and #87 of Top 100 Cellar Selections 2020, Wine Enthusiast, Nov 2020
