2021 Estate Chardonnay
OUR STORY
Aubaine, pronounced Ō-Baine, is a high end boutique project of Single Vineyard and Estate only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Aubaine is the French term for Windfall which is one of the estate vineyards that will be used in future vintages. Our founder Andy Lytle has teamed up with esteemed winemaker Isabelle Meunier to make the best possible expression of the Eola-Amity Hills. The green wave on the label represents the Eola-Amity Hills, and the blue wave represents the winds of the Van Duzer Corridor. Our 2021 vintage is our single vineyard estate expression from the Anahata vineyard.
VINTAGE
The 2021 growing season throughout the Willamette Valley was considered an outstanding vintage. Both in terms of balanced yields and quality of fruit. Spring started a earlier than the long-term average and the season continued to track early throughout. Bloom occurred the very first week of June, under amazing weather thanks to a small heat wave. The season progressed with an unusual heat dome at the end of June, which thankfully did not affect the vineyards at that stage. The second half of the season through July and August was warmer than average, with dry conditions until a couple of welcomed isolated rain events in early September. That slowed ripening and helped build complex flavors. At last, we picked from September 14th to 22nd in beautiful weather conditions. We harvested exceptional grapes that created beautifully balanced flavors and silky textures in the wines.
TASTING NOTES
The color is a brilliant, pale gold with a silver edge. The nose opens with aromas of citrus fruit, lemon custard, key limes, and Asian pears. The flavors evolve towards stony, sea salt and umami like with flint over honey undertones; all intertwined with classic Chardonnay aromas of fresh cut pears, hints of vanilla, and cardamon. Fresh and lively on the palate with a creamy texture that brings flavors of lemon meringue, with undertones of minerality sustained all the way through the palate. Elegant, complex, and long, yet light on its feet and delicate. This is a classic example of Oregon Chardonnay showcases a harmonious and vibrant finish sustained all the way through, so enjoyable on its own now, but with promises of a great aging potential.
2021 WINEMAKING FACTS
Vineyard blocks: Blk 4- 76 clone on 101-14
Picking date: September 14th, 2021
Harvest Data: 21.5 brix, pH 3.22, TA 7.6 g/l
Pressed: Gentle & Long Champagne program
Settled: 12 hours then racked
Fermentation: Spontanious native fermentation in large oval oak cast with 15% new oak
Malolactic fermentation: Indigenous and 100% complete by December 7th, 2021
Bottling date: February 8th, 2023
Cases produced: 482
Aging Potential: Well over 10 years
