Beaux Freres Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2022
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96
Decanter
Savoury, fresh and loaded with chipped flint and smoky lemon peel. Saline minerality with fresh lemongrass and verbena. Musque phenolics and tropical fruit. There were three weeks between the Chehalem Vineyard sites and the Pearlstad site in the Eola Amity Hills. There is richness buoyed by a saline sea spray minerality that lingers long on the finish. The rocky soils of the vineyard provide ample UV heat to make sure these wines reach ripeness. However in 2022, this was only just the case.
The 2022 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley has layered aromas of pomegranate, cranberry and blackberry with nuances of cardamom, mushrooms and earth. The medium-bodied palate is silky and seamless. It has a concentrated core of spice- and earth-laced fruit and a long, nuanced finish. It’s dangerously easy to drink without sacrificing nuance.
The 2022 Chardonnay Willamette Valley wafts up with a gorgeous display of crushed yellow apples and tropical melon complemented by white flowers, chamomile and hints of lemon oil. This is nearly freshy in feel yet refined, with crisp orchard fruits and brisk acidity firmed up by tactile mineral tones towards the close. The 2022 tapers o with a citrusy concentration that puckers the cheeks, leaving a salty flourish and lime tones that slowly fade.
Crisp and refreshing, with elegant apple and citrus flavors that build richness and polish on the elegant finish. Drink now. 420 cases made.
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Beaux Freres Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2023
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96
Decanter
Winemaker Damien Lapuyade wants to bring a focus to Beaux Freres in Chardonnay, same vineayrd as the WV Pinot Noir and 35% estate fruit. It has brilliant tension, and acidity is the focus, but there are full lees for 10 months, 30% new oak, and 500L puncheons. Keeps the press fractions separate. Six months in steel on full solids before bottling. He believes it gives textural precision. Great juicy Meyer lemon pulp that meets the soaring minerality and seaspray. Damien believes the compressed growing season and the cool nights make Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley a smashing success.
The 2023 Chardonnay Willamette Valley has inviting aromas of white peach and apricot, meringue, hazelnut, flint and honey. The medium-bodied palate has a silky texture and powerful, savory flavors. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a long, expressive finish.
The 2023 Chardonnay Willamette Valley is impossible to ignore, offering a gorgeous blend of confectionery spices and white flowers, lemon sorbet, Jordan almonds and yellow apples. Opulent textures meld with brisk acidity and tart orchard fruits to create a display of contrasts. The finish is crisp and long, leaving a gentle saline mineral tinge and a hint of sour citrus that refreshes the senses. Remarkably pretty, it displays lovely balance.
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