2007 Nuthouse Chardonnay
Oregon Chardonnay
Lone Star Vineyard, Stoller
Willamete Valley AVA, Oregon
2007 Nuthouse Chardonnay Tasting Notes
This is our first Nuthouse Chardonnay to be dominantly from Lone Star Vineyard. Unlike Pinot Noir, we have found that Chardonnay vines require more age before "making the grade". In this case, the vines were 8 years old. Very bright aromas of white peaches, roasted hazelnuts, with blossom honey and a unique fresh roasted wheat kernel jump out of the glass. The flavor has a surprising concentration of white peach and hint of melon up front and in the juicy mid-palate, all tethered to an exciting Meyer lemon cool climate mineral backbone. A fresh-fruited finish is framed by delicious roasted hazelnut, vanilla, and key lime citrus long after the glass is emptied.
Wine Scores and Reviews for 2007 Nuthouse Chardonnay
- 2007: Wine Spectator 92 - Highly Recommended "Bright and lively, delivering a silky-textured mouthful of pear, grapefruit and cream aromas and flavors, lingering with a hint of walnut on the refined finish. Drink now through 2012." - HS
- 2007: Wine Advocate 92 "The 2007 Chardonnay Nuthouse exhibits a lovely perfume of baking spice, toast, mineral, hazelnut, and tropical aromas. Creamy textured and vibrant on the palate reflecting the natural acidity achievable in 2007, it has a zingy core of fruit, intense flavors, and lengthy, pure finish. It has the balance to drink well for at least a decade much like the 1999." - JM
- 2006: Wine Spectator 90 ""Soft, supple and spicy, with a glowing core of pear at the center and hints of balsamic and cardamom around the edges. The finish lingers smoothly. Drink now through 2010." - HS
- 2006: San Francisco Chronicle TOP 100 WINES OF 2008 "Winemaker Rollin Soles sources his top Chardonnay from the Knudsen Vineyard, also the site of his single-vineyard sparkling wine. A richer style that models its Oregon elegance, with seamless oak that helps define the creamy texture. Bright and lively, with ripe pear, green apple skin, lemon peel and a mineral-driven finish."
- 2006: San Francisco Chronicle 3 Stars (Excellent) "2006 Argyle Nuthouse Reserve Series Willamette Valley Chardonnay ($30) Made from 100 percent Dijon clones, this wine is a richer-style Chardonnay that still retains its Oregon subtlety and elegance. The well-integrated oak provides creamy texture and lovely structure. Bright and lively, there's ripe pear, green apple skin, lemon peel and a mineral-driven finish."
- 2005: Wine Spectator 91 "Light and refined, appealing for the spicy, creamy overtones to the refreshing core of pear and apple fruit, persisting gently on the polished finish. Drink now through 2009. 2000 cases made."
- 2003: Wine Spectator 89 "Smooth and generous, a bit reduced but appealing for its effulgent pear and spice flavors, lingering gently on the well-wrought finish. Graceful. Drink now through 2010. 928 cases made. -HS"
