2023 Columbia Valley Chardonnay
Tasting notes: The 2023 Chardonnay has a bright golden hue in the glass. On the nose, aromas of ripe peach and nectarines are complimented by subtle notes of toasted oak and crème brulee. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and well-balanced, with flavors of ripe Granny Smith apple, honey, and lemon curd. The finish is long and lingering, with a hint of minerality.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyards: 50% Conner Lee, 25% Boushey, 15% Gearheart
Aging: 75% Barrel Aged (60% New French oak and 40% neutral French oak)
95 Points - Owen Bargreen
"The 2023 ‘Columbia Valley’ comes from some outstanding locations in Washington including the Connor Lee and Boushey Vineyards. Stored in 75% French oak this delivers a silky mouthfeel upon entry. Banana and roasted pineapple connect well with mango, poached pear and vanilla cream on the palate. This has a marvelous push-pull in terms of weight, texture and underlying freshness. Don’t serve too cold! "
94 Points - International Wine Report
"The 2023 Passing Time Chardonnay from the Columbia Valley offers an engaging and layered expression of a warm vintage, crafted with 50% fruit from Conner Lee Vineyard, 25% from Boushey and 25% from Gearheart. Aged in a combination of French oak and stainless steel, the wine opens with a polished sheen of pale straw. Aromatically, it draws you in with grilled pear, chamomile tea, and hints of Meyer lemon curd. The palate is graceful yet full-bodied, carrying waves of spiced mango, honeycomb, and crème anglaise wrapped in a gentle kiss of vanilla and toasted hazelnut. A fine line of acidity frames the richness, giving it clarity and direction. The finish lingers with subtle herbal lift and a delicate trace of marzipan, rounding out an elegant and quietly complex Chardonnay. One of the better Chards coming out of Washington State."
92 Points - James Suckling
"White peaches, apple blossom, salted butter and fresh mangoes on the nose of this full-bodied, cool and peachy white. Supple and fresh."
