2021Conner Lee Chardonnay
2021Conner Lee Chardonnay
The 2021 vintage had below-average precipitation in winter, hot and windy conditions in May and June, and a defining heat dome event in June. Cool fall temperatures allowed for flavor to catch up while sugar accumulation plateaued.
Sustainable farming practices were used in the vineyards and yields were significantly reduced to concentrate flavors. The Chardonnay Clones used are unknown due to the age of the vines, planted in 1989 and 1991.
The wine was 100% barrel fermented slowly in a mixture of 100% new 228L and 300L hogsheads from Taransaud, Francois Frères, and TN Cooperages, stirred every week during primary fermentation, slow and cool, lasting between 2-4 months. Then it underwent full malolactic fermentation via native bacteria. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 131 cases produced.
The 2021 Conner Lee Chardonnay is custard yellow and mellow gold in the glass. Aromas of grilled pineapple and cashew swirl with yellow flowers and café du monde beignet. Pots de creme, candied citrus, honeycomb, and poached pear impress on the full bodied palate. The viscous density of the wine is surprisingly balanced by streaks of acidity. Notes of Danish, Meyer lemon, and apple butter linger on the long, flavorful finish.
Awards & Accolades
"Coming from this warm site in the Columbia Valley the 2021 Single Barrel ‘Connor Lee’ Chardonnay is a stunning new wine that is showing brilliantly now at the two year mark. Once on the nose this displays honey and pastry crust alongside roasted pineapple tones. The palate is deep and concentrated with a seamless texture and glorious sense of length. Finishing very long with baking spices, and creme brûlée, this generous and broad-shouldered."
- 94 Points, Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com
Vineyards
Connor Lee
Connor Lee
Established in 1980 with the assistance of Viticulturist Dr. Walter Clore, Conner Lee is a highly regarded, sustainably farmed vineyard located in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington State. Soils are sandy glacial marine sediments left by the Missoula floods.
- SOIL TYPE
- Loamy fine sand to very fine sandy loam
- CLONES PLANTED
- Chardonnay: 95, Wente/75, 76 , Sauvignon Blanc: 6, Pinot Noir: 663, 113, 115 Merlot: 181, Cabernet Sauvignon: 2, 8
- ASPECT TO THE SUN
- North/ South
- FARM PRACTICES
- Sustainable
- YEAR PLANTED
- 1980
- ELEVATION
- 1085-1164 ft
- VINE SPACING
- 9' x 6'
