2017 Argyle Reserve Chardonnay
Willamette Valley,
Oregon
13.5% alcohol
Empty bottle weight: 24.6 ounces / 700 grams
Screwcap closure
998 cases produced
LIVE-certified winery
The Chardonnay grapes in this wine came from three Willamette Valley vineyard sites; 45% Knudsen Vineyard, 33% Spirit Hill Vineyard, and 22% Lone Star Vineyard. The growing season in 2017 was relatively cool and required some crop-thinning before August brought hot weather across the valley. Fortunately, things cooled down in September and October, allowing for extended hang time with complex aromatic development and optimum grape ripeness. After spending 16 months in French oak, of which 28% was new, this Chardonnay is layered and retains abundant acidity. Notably, Argyle Winery celebrated its 30th anniversary with this vintage!
Color:
Daisy yellow
Bouquet:
This Chardonnay smells of all things lemon– charred lemons, lemon meringue, fresh lemons, and lemon zest! Beyond the citrus, I also discovered aromas of toasted marshmallows and crème brûlée.
Palate:
I could taste many of those same lemon aromas in this wine, including fresh lemons, charred lemons, and lemon meringue. Medium-bodied, with layered texture and bright acidity, flavors of honeydew melons, camomile tea, and white ginger combined with all those lemon notes, gently caressed my tongue as I sipped. A sweetart candy-like chalky tartness dissolved into a clean finish, leaving me wanting another taste.
Food pairing suggestions:
Tofu bowl with roasted vegetables and brown rice // plank-cooked salmon // roast chicken
The winery is already sold out of this vintage but you can still find it at some Oregon Albertsons and Safeway stores. You can also buy the 2018 vintage directly from Argyle Winery, using the website link below.
SRP $35
Don’t miss our tasting notes on other Argyle wines:
2018 Argyle Reserve Pinot noir
2014 Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc de blancs sparkling wine
2016 Argyle Blanc de noirs sparkling wine
2015 Argyle Brut rosé sparkling wine
Be sure to tell us how you like it in the comments!
Sharing is caring so choose your platform!
About the Author: Michele Francisco
