2021 Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay, Willamette Valley

Lemon curd and nutmeg aromas with a distinct freshness and texture. Everything is in balance, with a supple and refined character. The palate exhibits flint and minerals with bright citrus notes, followed by a wonderfully refreshing finish.

93 points James Suckling

Gran Moraine sits in the Yamhill Carlton AVA, where marine sedimentary soils and a slightly warmer pocket of the Willamette Valley give Chardonnay both generosity and structure. The estate is meticulously farmed across rolling slopes, capturing different exposures that build complexity, and under winemaker Shane Moore the focus is firmly on site expression with a measured, precise hand in the cellar.

The aromatics show a step up in depth from many Oregon Chardonnays. White peach and nectarine sit alongside lemon curd and citrus zest, with a gentle lift of apple blossom. There is a subtle savoury layer, almond, cashew and a faint hint of spice, along with a mineral thread that runs quietly beneath the fruit.

On the palate it is medium bodied with a lovely balance between texture and freshness. A fine line of acidity gives the wine energy, while the fruit carries a little more weight, moving from stone fruit into citrus and lightly savoury notes. There is a gentle creaminess from lees work, but it never feels heavy, finishing long with a clean, mineral edge.

Winemaking is thoughtful and restrained, whole bunch pressing, fermentation in a mix of stainless steel and French oak, and careful lees ageing to build texture without dominating the fruit. The result is a Chardonnay that feels both polished and expressive, showing the richness of the site alongside a clear line of structure.

This is a natural partner for dishes with a bit of depth. Roast chicken, pork with apple, or richer seafood like scallops and lobster all work beautifully, and it also handles lightly creamy sauces with ease.

Drinking well now with a bit of air, it will continue to evolve over the next five to eight years, gaining more nutty, savoury complexity while retaining its freshness.