-
93
/ 100
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92
/ 100
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92
/ 100
Tasting Notes
The aroma is complex with layers of mineral, citrus, white flowers, and spice. On the palate the wine is balanced, vibrant, and round with a clean finish. The natural acidity of the region is rounded by labor-intensive barrel fermentation and aging, and a spontaneous Malolactic fermentation. Avni 2022 has nuances of lemon peel, green apple, river stone, and a softer edge of pear and quince in the background.
The 2022 Avni Chardonnay is sourced from multiple vineyards in the region, focusing on fruit grown on shallow volcanic soils. Sources include vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills and near Lingua Franca’s Bunker Hill Estate Vineyard, as well as from selected vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill Carlton, and from a unique site in the Van Duzer Corridor with marine sediments.
Production Notes
Whole cluster pressed with 2.5% crushed prior to pressing, settled in tank for 24 hours on average, barrel fermented with wild yeast and then aged in a combination of 26% new, 600-liter puncheons, 74% neutral large wooden casks and old French oak puncheons and barriques for 11 months sur lie. Primary and malolactic fermentation were spontaneous and completed in each barrel. The wines were then put back in closed tanks with their lees for six months prior to bottling.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: White
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: USA
Region: Oregon, Willamette Valley
Alcohol %: 13.0%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
93 / 100"The Avni Chardonnay, which means stone is loaded with rip-roaring minerality and brilliant acidity to match. Aromatics of struck flint, sea breeze and green mangoes elicit a familiarity with the wine's core of minerality. Mouthfuls of sea salt, crushed granite and salted lemon leave a thirst-slaking impression and beg for someone to shuck some oysters."
- Decanter
92 / 100
"Orange blossom, lemon zest and grapefruit on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity, giving notes of Fuji apple, grilled peach and honeysuckle. Mineral and precise. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling
92 / 100
"The 2022 Chardonnay Avni boasts a lovely, generous bouquet, with notes of white peach, pithy lemon, white flowers, and wet stone. Medium to full-bodied, it has a rounded feel, with a good deal of elegance and approachability, and a lovely, clean finish. A fantastic entry to the range, this highly consistent wine is outstanding for restaurant programs and offers a wide drinking window over the next 5-6 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck
