When Penner-Ash started in 1998, the goal was to focus on Pinot Noir. They added Chardonnay (and an excellent Viognier) and over the years the Chardonnay has hit its stride. This 2022 iteration offers light apricot, guava, green apple, Asian pear, mild honeysuckle, and a hint of fresh wildflowers. It holds in the palate nicely, lingering a while before the next sip. The bright acidity holds up to its ageing program of a scant 10 months in barrel with 41% of those being new French oak barrels. This allows for a foundation of tactile mouth feel and structure to the wine. The fruit was sourced from three vineyard sites across the Willamette Valley: Gran Moraine Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton, Jory Hills Vineyard in Dundee, and Zena Crown Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Therefore this Chardonnay truly is an expression of some of the best vineyards Willamette has to offer. ORIGIN: Willamette Valley, Oregon. ALCOHOL: 13.5%. Pennerash.com
