Reviews & Ratings

2008 Chehalem Chardonnay "Ians Reserve"

Winery: Chehalem

Vintage: 2008

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Ians Reserve"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Dundee Hills

State or country: Canada

Price: $34

Cases produced: 499

KWG Score: 90 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: August 8, 2011

Wine Review: This Chardonnay is consistently one of my favorites from Oregon each year. This year's vintage is pale yellow colored and opens with a ripe pear bouquet with a hint of butterscotch. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied and slightly acidic. The flavor profile is a tasty mild Anjou pear with notes of minerality and oak. There was also a hint of green apple detected as well. The finish is dry and its oak notes tend to stick around after the wine is gone. This wine would pair well with Theresa's pecan chicken. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: This Chardonnay is gorgeous, just coming of age after a year in bottle. Essence of candied ginger, lime, white flower and grapefruit pith complement the biscuity, brown sugar, and brioche notes seen throughout. The acidity needed structurally for a truly ageable Chardonnay is present, but it doesn't interfere with a creamy, voluptuous texture. Flavors and complexing characters include baking spices, apricot, pear, melon, custard and thyme. The balance is outstanding, the length and flavor persistence excellent for this age, and all the white essence and bright, creamy texture promises one of the best Chardonnays we’ve made.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Chehalem 2008 Ians Reserve Chardonnay.