Crowley Wines "Phoebe" Chardonnay, Willamette Valley '21

Tyson Crowley of Crowley Wines may be a newer name to many wine drinkers, but he is no upstart. He has worked in the business for many years, including a stint as assistant winemaker at Cameron Winery, in the Dundee area of the Willamette Valley, for five years. It was there, in 2005, that he made his first four barrels of wine. A couple years later, he moved to the August Cellars Studio, and he now makes a total of about 85 barrels of excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir annually.

“Wente block selection will define Phoebe. Picked as late as possible Wente clone always bursts with acidity and freshness. The own-rooted old vines handle any vintage adversity to remain calm and clear. Fermentation is spontaneous and barrel ageing long, 16 months, finished with 2 months in stainless. Intentionally oxidative to promote complexity, Wente stands up to this classic approach perfectly. Green ever-present in the color while Meyer lemon and mint aromatics swirl about. Palate is succulent and bright, mixing passionfruit and lemongrass. Angular acidity sustains the lift on the way to a long, sweet finish.”