Reviews & Ratings

2011 Chehalem Chardonnay "Ian's Reserve"

Winery: Chehalem

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Ian's Reserve"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Dundee Hills

State or country: OR

Price: $40

Cases produced: 384

KWG Score: 88.3 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: June 10, 2014

Wine Review: This light yellow colored Chardonnay from Oregon opens an oak and green apple like bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely acidic and mouthwatering. The flavor profile is a Anjou pear and Granny Smith apple blend with notes of minerality. I also detected hint of quince jelly. The finish is dry and its flavors drift away nicely. This Chard emphasizes its fruit and would be food friendly. It would pair well with grilled halibut. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: This Ian's Reserve Chardonnay lightly accents the beautiful French oak used for fermentation and aging, but completes the wine with elegant fruit and focused acid and structure. Baking spice and warm dry oats play on the nose, leading to sweeter aromas of dulce de leche and flaky apple pie. There's sweet wood and vanilla on the palate, linked with pear, quince jam, and peach pit, perhaps reminiscent of peaches and cream. The finish is long, round, and lingering, mid-palate weight is persistent, and ripe acids tightly knit the complete package.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Chehalem 2011 Ian's Reserve Chardonnay.