Oregon wine: 2017 Argyle Reserve Chardonnay

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

www.argylewinery.com