The wine that put white Bordeaux-style wines of Washington on the map, this is a perennial favorite among novices and collectors alike. Whole cluster pressed and fermented in 90% French oak barrels, with 60% being new, and 10% stainless steel, it rests for 7 months on the lees which gives it that luxurious mouthfeel. It is a combination of 72% Sauvignon Blanc and 28% Sémillon so that gooseberry nose is absolutely prominent, maybe more so with the 2020 than any other vintages I’ve tasted. Aspects of ripe pear, dried pineapple, green apple, fresh mint, green herbs, grapefruit zest and crushed clove. The balance of this wine is quite extraordinary as is the racy acidity and lengthy finish. I don’t necessarily gravitate towards Sauvignon Blanc but I’ll drink a bottle of Chaleur Blanc any day. It’s a bright, exuberant wine and one that should cellar well for the next decade or longer. Highly recommended.
| Rating | Value | Drink |
|---|
| 95 |
$35 |
2021-2031 |
| Country | Region | Appellation |
|---|
| United States |
Washington |
Columbia Valley |
| Editor | Issue | Importer |
|---|
| J. Young |
November, 2021 |
|
