CHARDONNAY
96 Evening Land 2022 Summum Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills). There has to be a language where “summum” means “totally worth it.” This majestic Chardonnay leads with a lemony magnolia aroma, then jabs with notes of toasted filberts, gunflint, butter and Golden Delicious apples. Vigorous acidity and a lithe texture accompany flavors like lemon curd, dragon fruit and lime zest. Extraordinary stuff. Editors’ Choice. —M.A.
abv: 13.2% Price: $100
95 Domaine Serene 2021 Côte Sud Vineyard Chardonnay (Dundee Hills). This wine put me right back in my grandmother’s kitchen as she baked for the holidays. The Chardonnay’s scent of buttery canestrelli cookies dusted with toasted filberts and powdered sugar are enchanting. The flavors are tart and lively, with lime zest uniting with the favors of green apples and butter. Cin cin, Grandma. Editors’ Choice. —M.A.
abv: 13.7% Price: $95
95 Evening Land 2022 La Source Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills). Aged for nine months in Stockinger puncheons and six months in stainless steel, La Source presents Meyer lemon and cantaloupe aromas that are accented by bits of lavender and coconut. La Source’s citrusy yuzu fruit flavor melds with pear and salty Marcona almonds. The wine’s elegant nature suggests pairing with any Edith Piaf album. Editors’ Choice. —M.A.
abv: 13.2% Price: $75
94 Bethel Heights 2021 Casteel Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills). The Casteel’s aromatic combination of papaya, blood orange and macadamia nuts is almost as good as a nice suntan. Then a wave of pineapple, lime and orange sorbet flavors calls out for a cry of “cowabunga.” Zingy acidity of the puckering variety keeps things lively. Editors’ Choice. —M.A.
abv: 13.5% Price: $75
I could not stop inhaling this wine’s aromas of chanterelle mushrooms sauteed in lemon butter served with a cup of lemongrass tea laced with honey. Etoile’s equally enticing flavors of lemon-lime tarts and mineral-laden spring water are backed by sparkling acidity. Enjoy with poached halibut and any Catherine Deneuve flick. . —M.A.
