2021 Tan Fruit - Chardonnay Umpqua Valley Sophie's Vineyard

Tan Fruit's 2021 Chardonnay from Sophie's Vineyard in the Umpqua Valley captures the spirit of Jim Maresh's experimental project. While Arterberry Maresh focuses on older estate vines, Tan Fruit sources distinctive fruit from outside sites to explore fresh expression and texture without constraints of the house style. Production is tiny—only a handful of barrels per site each year—making the Sophie's Vineyard bottling a rare Oregon Chardonnay.

Sophie's Vineyard sits in an isolated pocket near Yoncalla, planted in the late 1970s to Draper and Wente selections—some of the oldest Chardonnay material still farmed in Oregon. The 2021 bottling was matured primarily in oak before finishing with four months in stainless steel, a strategy to preserve the site's natural freshness while adding a touch of texture.

This southerly, warmer growing site yields a different personality than Maresh's cooler Willamette Valley sources, offering aromatics and energy that set it apart within the Tan Fruit program.

Aromas of green pear, quince, and citrus blossom mingle with almond, flint, and honey undertones. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied yet creamy and plush, with gently nutty fruit carrying through to a long, refreshing finish.

Production across the Tan Fruit project is tiny, with only a handful of barrels produced from each site each year.

Food pairing ideas:

• Roast chicken
• Seared scallops
• Soft washed rind cheese