Columbia Gorge Chardonnay
| Winery: |
Phelps Creek Vineyards |
| Denomination: | Colombia Gorge AVA |
| Wine Name: | Columbia Gorge |
|
Variety: |
100% Chardonnay |
Story
Located in the heart of Hood River, Oregon along the Columbia Gorge River, Phelps Creek Vineyards is a small boutique winery focusing on estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals, annually producing 5,000 cases of wine in total. Bob Morus founded and serves as President and Director of Winegrowing for Phelps Creek Vineyards. He moved to Hood River in 1989 with the expressed goal of raising both wine grapes and kids. Today, his children are all grown up and the established estate vineyard consists of 34 acres of breathtaking vines. Alexandrine Roy joined them from Burgundy, France as Director of Winemaking.
Vineyard
This Chardonnay combines estate Dijon clone fruit with Wente clone Chardonnay grown on Washington’s Underwood Mountain. Both vineyards are within eyesight of each other across the Columbia River. The cool climate cultivation results in beautiful acid balance. The volcanic soils add spice and mineral elements.
The oldest vines of Pinot Noir were planted in 1990, adding a block of Dijon clone Chardonnay two years later. Over the years they have expanded the vineyards and now nurture 34 acres (25 Acres of Pinot Noir, 4.5 acres of Chardonnay and 1/2 acre of Pinot Gris). In addition to their estate fruit, they experiment with growing “alternative whites” just across the Columbia River on Underwood Mountain. This fruit comes from the latter, and is only 4 miles north of the estate, but the site is considerably cooler and witnesses greater annual moisture.
Vinification
Vinification follows traditional Burgundian methods. The wine is fermented in French Oak barrels, 15% New.
Tasting Notes
A ready to drink wine, with a light yellow and gold hue, aromas of citrus, apple and white melon. The palate is sharp in acidity, balancing the subtle notes of Oak. A well rounded, balanced wine.
Food Pairing
Chilled asparagus salad, light hard cheeses, or with grilled seafood or battered calamari.
Columbia Gorge Sauvignon Blanc
Phelps Creek Vineyards
