Product Overview
The 2021 VGW Chardonnay (“VGW” meaning Very Good White) is a masterclass in precision and restraint, offering a Burgundian sensibility through the lens of Oregon terroir. This isn’t just a well-made Chardonnay — it’s a benchmark for what New World white wine can achieve when guided by uncompromising winemaking and a clear aesthetic vision.
Right from the nose, this wine speaks in tones of elegance rather than volume. Aromas of lemon oil, white peach, honeysuckle, and a delicate mineral smokiness give a first impression that is both lifted and grounded — a signal of finesse and depth. On the palate, the VGW is tensile and focused, driven by high-toned citrus, stone fruit, and an unmistakable seashell salinity that conjures comparisons to Meursault or Chassagne-Montrachet, albeit with a bit more sunlight and Oregon generosity.
What sets the 2021 vintage apart is its textural sophistication. It’s creamy but not heavy, taut but not austere — a fine line that very few producers can walk. The “Black Chardonnay” technique (skin contact before pressing) lends subtle phenolic grip, making the wine feel structured rather than opulent. French oak (29% new) is seamlessly integrated, supporting rather than shaping the wine.
The finish is long and resonant, with a saline edge and a flicker of spice that invites another sip. It feels simultaneously immediate and intellectual — a wine to drink now but also one that will develop beautifully over 5–8 years as it gains complexity.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Willamette Valley AVA
Aging: French oak, 29% new
