Solaksen Chardonnay

2021
Solaksen Chardonnay

The 2021 Solaksen Chardonnay is a shinning Dandelion yellow with a rim of pale gold in the glass. Aromas of pineapple and struck match swirl with apple blossom, wet gravel, powdered flowers, and lemon pith. Tepache, green guava, and candied ginger support this zesty, lively, medium bodied wine. Nectarine and Asian pear mingle with balanced acidity and a silky, creamy texture to the palate. Notes of kettle corn, spiced apple, and honeysuckle round out this wine with a nice savory sea spray finish.

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Vintages

Labeled Appellation

Royal Slope

Varietal(s)

100% Chardonnay

Vinification

100% New French Oak, 34% was 500L barrel. Aged 20 months in 100% New French oak, 34% in 500L barrel, 66% in 228L barrels.

Alcohol

14.9%

Cases Produced

146

Vintage Notes

Our Single Barrel Solaksen Chardonnay comes from the Royal Slope AVA in Washington State. The 2021 vintage had below-average precipitation in the winter, which resulted in small clusters and generally low yields due to hot and windy bloom conditions.

Patience was rewarded for those who waited to harvest, as cool Fall temperatures allowed flavors to catch up while sugar accumulation plateaued. Solaksen’s sustainable vineyards used efficient drip irrigation, cover cropping, and compost additions.

The Chardonnay clones used in this wine are 76 and 15. The wine was fermented very slowly in a mixture of new 228L and a 500L puncheon from Damy, Taransaud, and Tonnellerie O Cooperages and underwent full malolactic fermentation via native bacteria. The Chardonnay spent 20 months in 100% New French oak. The final blend was made in tank, where the wine was cold stabilized just before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 146 cases produced.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Owen Bargreenowenbargreen.com

95 / 100

Coming from the Royal Slope AVA, the 2021 Single Barrel ‘Solaksen’ Chardonnay comes from a high elevation vineyard that is planted on a northern facing slope. Cardamom and rich baking spices greet you on the nose alongside bananas foster, peach and shades of shortbread. The palate is concentrated but shows a fantastic level of freshness. Finishing extremely long, with outstanding viscosity, this is a beautiful expression of Washington Chardonnay which is not for the weary. Drink 2023-2033

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