Amalie Robert Her Silhouette Willamette Valley Chardonnay, 2011

This wine is about as close to pure, unadulterated Chardonnay as you are going to get. It is fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures with no oak and no malolactic fermentation. Rather than being big and buttery, it offers a slim, well defined silhouette of feminine form.

Deep lemon yellow. Intense aromas and flavors of lemon cream and stone fruit. Has all the traits of Oregon grown Dijon clone Chardonnay that I love. Sleek acidity that paints an imprint on the tongue. Laser focus of mineral and fruit flavors on the finish. This is Chardonnay, and I love it.

2011 was a super warm growing season in the Willamette Valley, too warm perhaps for good Pinot Noir but good for this Chardonnay. I like this 2011 better than the 2010 I had a few months ago. But at 10 and 11 years of age, both are drinking beautifully, with superb balance that shows no sign of breaking up.