2022Conner Lee Chardonnay
2022Conner Lee Chardonnay
The 2022 Single Barrel Conner Lee Chardonnay is a single-vineyard wine from the acclaimed Conner Lee Vineyard, located in the Columbia Valley AVA.
Across the Columbia Valley, 2022 proved to be an exceptional vintage for white wines—especially Chardonnay. Working in close collaboration with our vineyard manager, the winemaking team implemented yield restrictions and precise canopy and irrigation strategies to enhance concentration and preserve the unique character of the vintage.
Harvested in the cool early mornings of the first week of October, the fruit was whole-cluster pressed directly into 100% new French oak barrels. A variety of barrel formats was used to build depth and complexity. Fermentation unfolded slowly at low temperatures over several months, followed by full malolactic fermentation to add richness and texture.
The wine aged on its lees for a full year before being racked, then continued aging in barrel for a total of 20 months. Just six barrels were ultimately selected for the final blend, producing only 133 cases.
Bottled unfined and unfiltered, this is a pure, focused expression of 100% Wente clone Chardonnay, planted in 1989 and 1992.
This Chardonnay displays a light straw hue, reminiscent of flaxen and chamomile tea. The nose offers delicate powdered flowers, vibrant lemon-lime seltzer, ripe melon, and elegant white tea. On the palate, a flinty minerality provides structure, complementing notes of St. Germain, warm apple crisp, and zesty orange oil. The mouthfeel begins with a broad, lush texture, then transitions to a taut and refreshingly tense mid-palate. The finish is warm, with subtle baking spices, lingering stone fruit, and a hint of sea spray.