2022 Tan Fruit Anela Vineyard Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES:

In terms of appearance, the wine is expected to have a clear, pale gold hue, which is characteristic of Chardonnays from this region. The aroma likely features notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, with subtle hints of oak and vanilla, owing to the typical winemaking practices for high-quality Chardonnays.

On the palate, one can anticipate flavors that range from crisp apple and lemon to richer notes of tropical fruits and a touch of minerality. The mouthfeel is expected to be smooth yet vibrant, with a well-balanced acidity that provides a refreshing finish.

TASTING NOTES: 

Very delicate and pristine fruit character, with salted lemons, pineapple, lemon curd and subtle notes of pastry and almonds. Medium- to full-bodied, firm and structured, with a lot of layers and a lot of potential. Voluptuous texture with precision and agility. Mineral backbone with crushed stones and chalk. Focused, succulent finish with length. Better after a year or two.

- James Suckling, 96 pts. 

For this brand-new wine, second-generation winegrower Jim Maresh sourced Draper selection Chardonnay from the Anela Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, where vines were planted in 2016 in (unusually for Oregon) very stony soils. It’s a departure for Jim, who crafts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for his Arterberry Maresh wines exclusively from old vines planted, by his grandfather, in the volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills. “I was so blown away by this vineyard,” Jim exclaims. “It’s 600 feet straight south, the most epic view in Oregon, and the soil up there is nothing but stones. There are no stones in Oregon, but up there, it looks like you’re in the Walla Walla with the river stones. It’s the stoniest vineyard I’ve ever seen in Oregon.” Although Pinot Noir vines are planted nearby, “I’m convinced it’s a Chardonnay spot,” he insists. The 2022 Chardonnay Anela is singular and savory. Candied peaches and manuka honey mingle with dried sage, roasted hazelnuts and struck flint on the nose, and it teases you with slowly blossoming, spicy undertones. The palate is luxurious and satiny with kaleidoscopic, mouth-coating flavors, and its modest 30% new French oak is already well integrated. It has a foil of laser-like acidity, and its juiciness and hauntingly long finish draw you back to the glass again and again. “The Chardonnay in Oregon keeps getting better,” Jim says with a smile. “We’re unlocking some new things.

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 pts. 

Off of King's Grade road, this site looks like the Rocks in Walla Walla, says Maresh. The vineyard name Anela is Hawaiian for Angel. Planted in 2016, but winemaker Maresh believes that Chardonnay doesn't require the old vine complexity of Pinot Noir. Stony aromatics and ripe nectarine notes leap from the glass. Power and richness, subtle stony character plays off against very ripe nectarine flesh, and ripe peach shows a hint of phenolics.

- Decanter, 95 pts. 

The 2022 Chardonnay Anela Vineyard bursts from the glass with an array of wild fennel, sesame seeds, crushed rocks and lime. This speaks in bass tones—texturally thrilling, almost weighty in feel. Juicy acidity neatly balances ripe orchard fruits and a cascade of sweet spices. It gains an intensely spicy character toward the close, mixing ginger with sour citrus, all under an air of almond custard that adds a lovely richness. Amazingly complex and tremendously deep, yet also wickedly fresh, the 2022 has it all. The Anela Vineyard, within the Chehalem Mountains AVA, consists of sedimentary soils covered in river rocks.

- Vinous, 94 pts. 

This handsome white is focused and refined, with Asian pear and lemon verbena flavors highlighted by apricot and spice notes. Drink now. 

- Wine Spectator, 92 pts.