2023 Elouan Oregon Chardonnay

GROWING SEASON

The 2023 growing season in Oregon began with a cold, dry winter, followed by above-average rainfall and cooler temperatures from March through mid-April. By late April, the weather shifted to warm and dry conditions, with temperatures three to seven degrees above normal due to a persistent high-pressure system. These ideal conditions led to a rapid bloom and fruit set, completing in less than three weeks. The warm, dry pattern continued through July, advancing veraison by nearly three weeks, while August heat accelerated ripening. Mid-September brought early storms from the Gulf of Alaska, but the return of cool, dry weather had no negative impact on the crop. For our Elouan Chardonnay, we selected fruit from vineyards with varied slopes and exposures to capture a broad range of flavors. 

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY

While Chardonnay can grow in many different climates, it thrives in cool, temperate regions like Oregon. The name Elouan means 'good light', which is reflective of the typically cool summers with abundant sunshine found in this northern winegrowing region. The unique climate, diversity of soil types, and gentle sunlight's influence on both canopy and fruit form the foundation of this wine's character. In the cellar, we focused on whole-cluster light pressing of the grapes and cold settling. The wine was then barrel fermented in French oak, 50% new, for 14 months undergoing full malolactic fermentation.