2016
Elizabeth

Winemaker Notes

The 2016 vintage was a great year to start off our first ever Chardonnay. I have been a white Burgundy fan for a long time and was confident the Walla Walla Valley could produce something in that style. In 2013, Drew and I became aware of a new Chardonnay planting going in the ground in the Mill Creek area of the Walla Walla Valley. We were excited about its potential and after much research, we spoke for two acres of clones 76 and 809 Chardonnay. We spent the next three years talking to winemakers in the Northwest and learning more about the style of wine we wanted to produce. This 2016 Elizabeth Chardonnay, named after Drew’s great-grandmother, was picked in two lots — one very early, and one more “normal”. The grapes were whole cluster pressed into stainless steel, French oak, and concrete tulips prior to undergoing a long, slow, and cold fermentation. The wines were aged sur lie for 10 months prior to blending the best lots and bottling. This wine is a light golden color with notes of bright lemon zest, wet stone, and a hint of straw. I love the balance of this wine as it has great body and volume but a pure, clean elegance and beauty to it. There is nice, refreshing acidity but the finish is long and lasting. We are superbly excited about our first release of Walla Walla Chardonnay.