So layered, textural, minerally and savory in character. This offers brilliant acidity, lemon zest and chalky minerals with light almond and toast nuances. A slight flinty, reductive aroma adds an enticing edge, then the palate delivers lemon curd, marzipan and hazelnuts that expand on the finish. Drink now or hold. Jim Gordon Executive Editor

Winemaker Damien Lapuyade wants to bring a focus to Beaux Freres in Chardonnay, same vineayrd as the WV Pinot Noir and 35% estate fruit. It has brilliant tension, and acidity is the focus, but there are full lees for 10 months, 30% new oak, and 500L puncheons. Keeps the press fractions separate. Six months in steel on full solids before bottling. He believes it gives textural precision. Great juicy Meyer lemon pulp that meets the soaring minerality and seaspray. Damien believes the compressed growing season and the cool nights make Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley a smashing success.

A bright yellow/silver color, the 2023 Chardonnay Willamette Valley is sourced from three vineyards. It has a refreshing yet ripe feel, with notes of citrus candies, salted apples, fresh flowers, and silky, honeyed citrus. Medium-bodied, it has a lovely, rounded feel and is approachable now, although it should also drink well over the next 6-7 years.

The 2023 Chardonnay Willamette Valley has inviting aromas of white peach and apricot, meringue, hazelnut, flint and honey. The medium-bodied palate has a silky texture and powerful, savory flavors. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a long, expressive finish.- EB

The 2023 Chardonnay Willamette Valley is impossible to ignore, offering a gorgeous blend of confectionery spices and white flowers, lemon sorbet, Jordan almonds and yellow apples. Opulent textures meld with brisk acidity and tart orchard fruits to create a display of contrasts. The finish is crisp and long, leaving a gentle saline mineral tinge and a hint of sour citrus that refreshes the senses. Remarkably pretty, it displays lovely balance. - Eric Guido, July 2025