Most California Chardonnays are made for drinking in the first five years after the vintage date. After that, the fresh fruit starts to fade. Oregon Chardonnays, due to the cooler climate, a different soil and the Dijon clone of the grape, are more amenable to aging for 8 to 10 years or longer, gaining complexity and depth. Now in its eighth year, this WillaKenzie Chardonnay is drinking beautifully. It was aged in a combination of wood puncheons, amphora and stainless steel tanks.
Medium deep yellow. Bright, fruit-oriented smells and a rich mouthfeel. Lemon curd and minerals. Lees contact rather than oak is giving this wine its complexity and flavor interest. Beautiful wine.
The 2018 WillaKenzie Chardonnay, in its sixth year, is now discounted at Plum Market in Ann Arbor and other places for about $15, half of its usual retail price.
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