St Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay

Food and Wine Magazine: Oregon winemaker Mark Vlossak is justifiably acclaimed for his impressive single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, and his touch with Chardonnay is no less fine. This flinty-creamy white with its layered citrus flavours is proof. - Apr 22

Winemaker notes

Rich straw color. Full aromas with ripe yellow peach, brioche, nutmeg, Honeycrisp apple, and apple cobbler crust. The density on the palate is significant with red apple, white peach, lemon curd, and the stony minerality that underlies the entire experience. While the vintage is solid for Pinot noir, all the white wines have a richness that stands out. With the richness of the 2019 vintage and 14 year old vines, buying enough to enjoy over a decade will reward the buyer. Now with DIAM closure.

2018

Burghound 90: This plays right on the edge of reduction and it's enough to blur the nuance of what are clearly ripe aromas of plum, dark berries and earth. The succulent, round and delicious middle weight flavors possess a suave and quite rich mid-palate before terminating in a sappy, lingering and balanced finale. This could use a bit more depth, but I like the delivery and potential.

James Suckling 92: Aromas of thyme, peach and lemon curd. Medium-to full-bodied with zesty acidity and drive. Very bright. Refreshing finish. Light phenolic texture pulls it forward. Drink now.

2019

Burghound 90♥: There is an appealing spiciness to the layered dark berry fruit aromas of plum, briar, underbrush and a whiff of exotic tea. The supple, refined and vibrant middle weight flavors possess a beguiling mouthfeel while displaying good power on the dusty, linear and ever-so-mildly tangy finale.

James Suckling 92: Aromas of crushed sage, baked lemon and a hint of lavender. Medium-bodied with steady and driving acidity that pulls out the citrus and herbs are articulates them clearly. Fresh. Chalky texture with a bit of chew at the finish. Bottle age will bring it together

Wine Enthusiast 94: The aromatic set begins with bursts of earth and lemon verbena, followed by a wonderful combination of sliced warm sourdough bread topped with apple butter. The wine's rich texture fills the mouth as flavors of chamomile tea with lemon and honey unite with roasted walnuts and donut peaches. The wine went through malolactic fermentation, after which it rests on the lees for 11 months in used French oak.