Willakenzie Estate Willamette Valley Chardonnay, 2018

Thanks in large part to the Dijon Clone imported from France in the 1980s, the Willamette Valley of Oregon has become my go-to choice for Chardonnay. These wines are good when released and become increasingly better after seven or more years in the bottle.

Medium deep gold. Wonderful smells--white flowers, ripe pears, apples, minerals and a touch of honey. Good fruit/acid balance and a long, delightful finish. More aromatic than the 2017 Dijon Clone Chardonnay from Willamette Valley Vineyards we had last week but not quite as creamy or complex on the palate. No complaints, though, this is a fabulous wine.