Chardonnay Spirit Hill Vineyard

United States
Oregon
2021

Spirit Hill Chardonnay is Nicolas-Jay’s first release from this special site in Eola-Amity. The climate in the Eola-Amity Hills is greatly influenced by its position due east of the Van Duzer Corridor, which provides a break in the Coast Range allowing cool ocean air to flow through. This decreases temperatures in the region dramatically, helping grapes retain acidity as they ripen. Spirit Hill vineyard sits on top of these spacious hills with aspects in every direction by virtue of its amphitheater shape. An older planting at a high-elevation, the fruit from this site is consistently small-berried with high levels of natural acidity and concentration. The wine was barrel fermented with native yeasts, and matured in French oak (40% new) for 14-months before bottling.

96 points
"The Spirit Hill 2021 Chardonnay is the first release from this site in the Eola-Amity Hills. It’s aged in 40% new French oak and displays a very light, glistening lemon core with a watery rim in the glass. The nose pops with aromas of fresh apricot flesh, jasmine flower, white nectarine, sea breeze, and dried thyme. The palate is more concentrated and complex than the nose and really makes this wine come alive. Impeccably balanced with grilled citrus and spice notes and a lengthy finish that goes on for minutes. Only 100 cases were made. Highly recommended."
Jeremy Young,
International Wine Report
March 2023
95 points
"A brilliant silver-yellow color, the 2021 Spirit Hill takes on more tension and energy, with aromas of flinty wet rocks, lemon-lime citrus oils, raw honeycomb, and green apple. Medium-bodied, with a fresh spine of acidity, it's long on the palate, with an elegant, soft texture that floats across the palate with a weightless feel. It is deserving of cellaring and will likely build in texture as it matures, but it's graceful now. Drink 2024-2032."
Audrey Frick,
Jeb Dunnuck
September 2023

SKU/Code: 
DB4624-21
Product Line: 
Wine
White
Varietal: 
Chardonnay
Farming Type: 
Organic