Brittan Vineyards
Estate Chardonnay 2019
McMinville
Robert Brittan developed a love for Chardonnay during his tenure as the first winemaker at Far Niente Winery in the early 1980’s, a passion that continued to grow during his 16 years at Stags’ Leap Winery. In 2004, Robert decided to leave California and start a vineyard project in the cool climate of the northern Willamette Valley, the home of the finest New World Chardonnay grown today.
Vineyard
The Brittan Vineyard lies just 12 miles southwest of McMinnville, tucked into the foothills of the Coast Range. The original 18 acres were planted in 2001, but due to the challenging nature of this site and limited topsoil, only eight acres survived. Since 2004 when Robert and Ellen purchased the vineyard, it has been an ongoing rehabilitation project: replanting, retraining, and learning the unique landscape that has become Brittan Vineyard.
Winemaking
The aim at Brittan Vineyards is to remove the hand of the winemaker during wine production. With this, minimal fuss and movement are trademarks of Robert’s style, producing wines of varietal complexity and nuance. After whole cluster pressing, the must is fermented in barrel. Elevage occurs over ten months in about 25% new French oak.
Vintage
The 2019 vintage was the coolest since 2015: warm during the main part of the growing season but cooling significantly towards harvest. We achieved ripe flavors and fruit maturity without the concentrated sugars and higher alcohols associated with late season heat events. These cooler, longer maturing vintages often give us more finesse in flavor and structure and more complexity in aromatics.
Tasting Note
Hints of white flower and white peach form a bright counterpoint to the ripe pear and orange aromas in this classic Oregon Chardonnay. The oak is beautifully integrated here, more of a suggestion of wood than overt barrel aromas. Our unique site expresses itself through the structure and mouthfeel of this elegant wine, exhibiting a pleasant weight and spice in the finish.
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
Appellation
McMinville
Farming
Practicing Organic
Alcohol
13%
Suggested Retail Price
$45
