2016 Van Duzer Chardonnay Bieze Vineayrd Eola-Amity Hills

Van Duzer sources Chardonnay for this bottling from the Bieze Vineyard, in the eastern portion of Eola-Amity Hills, where the vines, clone 76, are anchored in Jory soils. Although the 2016 vintage was warm and early throughout Oregon, Van Duzer limited yields to concentrate the fruit. Grapes were hand picked, whole-cluster pressed, racked, and fermented cool in 40 percent concrete tanks, 35 percent oak barrels (a small portion new), and 25 percent stainless steel barrels. The wine aged on lees eight months prior to bottling.

The wine is medium yellow, quite glossy, and scented with citrus, lemongrass, and honeydew. There’s also an earthy aromatic note, like wet clay or petrichor; it’s not reductive, just stony. The flavors slant gingery and savory, and texturally this is an ample wine, fleshy and coating but with elegant, silken finishing acidity.

Cooling, despite the weight, which makes it a great partner for foods spiked with ginger, chili, curry, heat. Try it with roasted fish, shellfish, or poultry; medium and hard aged cheeses; or creamy, buttery sauces.