Walter Scott Chardonnay Sojeau Vineyard 2022
“The Walter Scott Chardonnays are a stunning display of reductive winemaking with savoury edges and finely filagreed tree fruits. The cool Sojeau Vineyard absorbs the windy gusts from the Van Duzer Corridor, and from it, Ken Pahlow crafts an edgy display. Dried white wildflowers, chamomile tea and grilled pineapple aromatics launch from the glass. The palate is edgy and delicately laced, with crushed stone complexity, white pepper and a cocktail of early season pear and apple skin.—quite a wine.” - 96 PTS, DECANTER
“Only the second time the estate has made this as a single vineyard bottling, the 2022 Chardonnay Sojeau Vineyard was made from Dijon clones 95 and 76, planted in 2015. Finessed and elegant, it sports a bright yellow-green hue and is lifted with notes of gunflint, lime leaf, jasmine, lemon candies, and white peach. Medium-bodied, it floats on the palate, with its floral perfume lasting through the finish. It has a light, supple feel and a great finish. Drink 2024-2034. 165 cases were produced.” - 94 PTS, JEB DUNNUCK
“A nuanced bouquet of sour green melon, lemon oils, sweet spice and stone dust wafts up from the 2022 Chardonnay Sojeau Vineyard. This is silky-smooth and pliant in feel, developing a graceful flair as citrus-tinged orchard fruits ride a wave of brisk acidity. It leaves the palate completely cleansed, tapering off long and concentrated yet still remarkably fresh. Wow.” - 93+ PTS, VINOUS MEDIA
WINERY NOTES:
TASTING: “Opens with the zesty aromas of lime blossom, lemon zest and lemon verbena accompanied by the captivating notes of flint layered with savory fennel frond. The palate is sophisticated beyond its years, exhibiting a compelling interplay of power and weight, presenting luscious flavors of mandarin, the succulent essence of white peach and the soothing charm of chamomile. These elements are seamlessly woven together with an electric acidity that shocks the wine to life, while an intense wet gravel minerality and the enduring allure of flint adds captivating depth to the finish.”
VINEYARD: “The Sojeau Vineyard, thoughtfully cultivated by Denny and Thelma Peseau, is nestled on the southern end of the Eola-Amity Hills, facing southwest, directly towards the Van Duzer Corridor. At 650 feet in elevation, the site overlooks the valley and surrounding farmlands from its perch on the steep hill. This aspect makes Sojeau one of our coolest sites, with acidity and aromatics favorably intensified by the intense coastal winds.”
QUICK FACTS:
VINEYARDS - 100% Sojeau Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley Planted: 2014
SOILS - Volcanic / Nekia
FARMING - Organic
INGREDIENTS: 100% Chardonnay grapes, SO2
MALOLACTIC CONVERSION: 100%
YEAST - Ambient, minimal bâtonnage
FINING/FILTRATION: Lightly filtered for clarity
FERMENATION/AGING: Fermented and aged in 350 & 500-liter French oak barrels for 12 months & finished for 3 months in stainless steel tank. 50% New Oak
ABV: 13%