2019 Hamilton Russell Oregon - Chardonnay Maple Grove (750ml)

The 2019 Maple Grove Chardonnay from Hamilton Russell Vineyards marks the winery’s maiden Oregon vintage from a single vineyard near Monmouth, southwest of Salem just south of the Van Duzer Corridor. This 750ml bottle presents a pure Dijon clone 95 expression, fermented with the estate’s indigenous yeasts and aged in a mix of new and older French oak barrels from the Francois Freres coopers.

Rooted in the winemaking philosophy Hamilton Russell long pursued in South Africa’s cool Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, this Oregon Chardonnay embraces a refined, classical style that sings in Willamette Valley’s cooler climate. The 2019 growing season was a touch ahead of the prior year, preserving healthy acidity and concentrated fruit even as September rains slowed the pace late in the season.

Tasting profile

• Aromas: creamy, leesy lemon biscuit notes with waxy yellow citrus and a saline, stony minerality.
• Palate: smooth and toasty with ripe pear and apple fruit wrapped in a soft, buttery texture and balanced by bright acidity.

Food pairings

• Roast chicken
• Seared scallops
• Rich mushroom risotto