Reserve Chardonnay (2018)

About this wine

The 2018 Domaine Serene 'Evenstad Reserve' Chardonnay from Dundee Hills offers a delightful blend of tropical fruit flavors, including kiwi and yellow peach, complemented by floral notes of white flowers and fresh linen. The oak aging is seamlessly integrated, adding subtle hints of toasted hazelnut and vanilla. A notable minerality and salinity provide depth and complexity, leading to a long, satisfying finish. This wine is crafted from Dijon clone vines grown in Jory soil at high elevations, contributing to its unique character. Recognized for its quality, it has received high ratings from critics, including 96 points from James Suckling and 94 points from Wine Enthusiast.

About the grape

Chardonnay, originally from France's Burgundy region, has become a versatile grape grown worldwide. In Oregon's Dundee Hills, the combination of Jory soil and high-elevation vineyards creates ideal conditions for cultivating Chardonnay. Domaine Serene utilizes Dijon clones, known for their adaptability and quality, to produce their 2018 Reserve Chardonnay. This approach highlights the region's unique terroir and the winery's commitment to excellence.

Quick facts

• 🌋🍇 The 2018 Domaine Serene 'Evenstad Reserve' Chardonnay is crafted from Dijon clone vines planted in the volcanic Jory soils of the Dundee Hills, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
• 🪵🍷 This vintage underwent 14 months of aging in 100% French oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and depth.
• 🏆📈 The wine has received high acclaim, including a 96-point rating from James Suckling and a 94-point 'Cellar Selection' from Wine Enthusiast.
• 🏰🍷 Domaine Serene's commitment to quality is evident in their state-of-the-art, five-level, gravity-flow winery, designed to produce ultra-premium wines.
• 🥝🍑🌸 The 2018 'Evenstad Reserve' Chardonnay showcases enticing tropical notes of kiwi and yellow peach, with high notes of white flower and fresh linen, offering a symphony of flavors.

Palate profile

Producer

Domaine Serene was founded in 1989 by Grace and Ken Evenstad in the Dundee Hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley, with a vision to produce world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They began by purchasing a 42-acre hilltop estate, which they developed into a premier vineyard despite initial challenges, such as planting on high-elevation, west-facing slopes. In 2015, the Evenstads expanded their winemaking endeavors to Burgundy, France, by acquiring the historic Château de la Crée, becoming the first Oregon-based vintners to own land and produce wine in Burgundy. Over the years, Domaine Serene has garnered numerous accolades, including being named the world's most awarded winery at the 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards, and their wines have been served multiple times at the White House.