June 21, 2011
Having local access to gorgeous, elegant wines is something we take pride in. As a local Oregonian, it's time to exercise that right.
Another bottle of greatness is at your fingertips. The well-respected, highly touted Domaine Serene has produced another ripper of a chardonnay from their estate-owned, world-class vineyard, Cote Sud, in the Dundee Hills. Vintage 2008. $49.00/btl.
Wine Specator - 93 points
"Supple
and graceful, glowing with pear, lime, cream and clove flavors that
expand beautifully on the long, vivid finish. This has both stuffing and
elegance, with the balance to last. Drink now through 2016."
THE VINEYARD:
Côte
Sud is one of seven vineyards of Domaine Serene’s Evenstad Estate
located atop the southernmost of the Dundee Hills of Oregon. It is
situated on a south-facing slope ranging from 550 - 680 feet in
elevation. The majority of this vineyard was planted to Chardonnay in
1992 and is a combination of Dijon clones.
VINTAGE NOTES
Cool
weather in September delayed ripening, and the threat of rain was ever
present as it had been in 2007. But unlike the previous vintage, when
rain challenged the harvest late, the sun came out in October, the
clouds dispersed and a late season warming trend hit the Dundee Hills.
With no rain, we were able to harvest at an even pace with controlled
ripening and perfect hang times. The 2008 wines are reminiscent of the
wonderful 2000 vintage; great purity of fruit and structure. Critics and
fans alike agree that these wines may someday be counted as some of the
best made in Oregon.
CROP YIELD & AGING - 14 months sur lees in French oak barrels of which 46% were new. 2.63 tons/acre.
Wine
Spectator's Harvey Steiman: "In the 2008's, you've got the best vintage
Oregon has ever produced, the kind of vintage Oregon winemakers always
hoped they could produce."
