Puffin Chardonnay 2022

Tasting Notes

We call this our “Chardonnay for people who don’t like Chardonnay!”   Puffin Chardonnay is a well-crafted wine that showcases the best of the region’s terroir.  It has a great balance of fruit with notes of oak, with a creamy texture that adds complexity to the palate.

This delightful straw-colored Chardonnay offers complex aromas of ripe yellow apple, baked pear and lemon curd.  There are also whispers of vanilla and butterscotch which make this a wine to savor!

In the mouth, this cool climate Chardonnay has a rich and creamy texture, with a medium-full body that coats the mouth. The flavors are dominated by ripe fruit, such as apple and lemon.  There are also notes of butter and caramel which comes from the malolactic fermentation and barrel aging  The acidity is moderate, which balances the richness of the wine.

Food Pairing

Serve slightly chilled (55F).  This food friendly Chardonnay pairs nicely with a wide variety of foods, including cheese plates, salads, and crab cakes.   It also is a nice companion for a summer day at the beach or on the patio.

Product Notes

The fruit for this delicious Chardonnay is sourced from one of the southernmost vineyards in the Willamette Valley, “Equinox Vineyard”, located outside of Eugene, OR.  The vineyard has a slightly southwest aspect, which helps the fruit to ripen in early fall.   The vineyard uses VSP (vertical shoot positioning) trellising.  The wine is fermented in concrete goes through full malolactic fermentation before being aged in concrete and neutral French oak for nine months.

Winemaker

This Chardonnay is a collaboration with Ray Walsh, the Winemaker for Capitello Wines.

Awards

GOLD MEDAL, Platinum Wine Awards 2024

GOLD MEDAL, Savor NW Wine Awards 2024

Technical Notes

Vineyard/AVA: Equinox Vineyard, Willamette Valley, OR

Alcohol: 13.9%

Winemaker: Ray Walsh