Chardonnay 'Estates'

Score

94

"Chardonnay grapes were sourced from the Soter estate Mineral Springs vineyard and other vineyards in Eola-Amity Hills. On the nose, fresh, tart citrus notes give way to aromas of sea spray juxtaposed with spice rack notes, which add interest and complexity. The palate showcases a contrast from a backbone of acidity to fleshiness, roundness, and dairy notes from malolactic fermentation in the winery. The finish is lengthy and complex, moving from warming spices to a toasted nuttiness. This stunner would sing with scallops in a cream sauce."

Score

96

"This barrel-fermented wine blends a lush richness and ripeness with vibrant acidity, minerality and freshness. A portion went through skin contact, and it was raised in 35% new oak, giving a hint of grip in the texture that braces the golden apples, lemons and limes. So well balanced and delicious. Drink or hold."

Score

91

"Perfumed and floral, the 2021 Chardonnay Soter Vineyards Estates is a medium yellow/silver color and delivers notes of honeysuckle, melon, star fruit, and wet stones. Elegant and mouthwatering, this medium-bodied Chardonnay is refreshing, with clean, ripe acidity and a pithy texture, and it offers notes of ripe lemon citrus through the finish. It's very charming now but should hold up well over the next 6-7 years."

Score

93

"The 2021 Chardonnay Estate seduces with a perfumed bouquet that blends white peach and nectarine with minty herbs, raw almond and a beautifully integrated whiff of spicy oak. It washes across the palate with mineral-inflected white pit fruits and hints of sour citrus as an enriching air of vanilla custard resonates toward the close. Crunchy, long and full of tension, the 2021 finishes with incredible length and gentle tannins, leaving a note of Anjou pear to linger."

Score

90

"The 2021 Chardonnay Estates was barrel fermented and matured for 18 months in 30% new oak. It has gregarious scents of yellow apple, banana chip, biscuit, toast and honey with flinty nuances. The light-bodied palate offers generous, ripe fruit foiled by bright, refreshing acidity, and it has a long, savory finish. Around 1,000 cases were made."

Score

93

"Made with a mixture of grapes from Mineral Springs Vineyard and various Eola-Amity Hills sources, the Estates Chardonnay shows vineyard teamwork pays off. Its aromas of preserved lemons, sage tea, nutmeg, saline and wet slate make for a minerality lover's dream perfume. White peach, lemon, butter and guava flavors are illuminated by brilliant acidity. Editors' Choice. —M.A."

Score

90

"Steely and sleek, with handsome notes of apple and lemon verbena that glide on the vibrant finish. Drink now. 1,100 cases made."