Chehalem INOX Chardonnay 2007

INOX® takes its name from the abbreviation of the French word for stainless steel, inoxydable. The wine was created differently from most Chardonnay you've had. We think we've succeeded in expressing the crisp, steely, and fruit-rich side that we love about some Old-World Chardonnays. What makes this possible is the use of exclusively Dijon clones, exceptionally well suited to Oregon's cool climate and exhibiting a richness that does not depend on oak. Entirely tank fermented, without malolactic fermentation or lees contact, INOX screams of the hallmarks of a cool climate-brightness, pinpoint fruit, and explosive aromas and flavors. We intend INOX for a full range of use, from hot weather chilling to elegant dinner complements.

Fruit comes primarily from our Estate Vineyards, predominantly Stoller, with a measure of Corral Creek. Dijon clones 76, 95, and 96 are fermented together for a fully complemented wine. The estate vineyards are planted on two different soil types: Stoller on Jory and Corral Creek on Laurelwood. In 2008, we also bought Dijon fruit from some of our Willamette Valley neighbors: Gran Moraine, Banks, Temperance Hill, Thistle, Elvenglade, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Roserock, and Willakia.

A platinum, brilliant wine that immediately shares a profusion of floral aromas and bright fruit, especially pear, green apple, honeydew melon, tangerine, peach, apricot, Meyer lemon, and even kiwi and pineapple. Spice and other aromatic accents include confectioners' sugar, vanilla bean, and ginger, as well as the "Juicy Fruit" gum aromatic that is a marker for Dijon-clone Chardonnay fruit. There is a knife-edged brightness and minerality due to incredibly snappy acidity, making it tartly succulent and mouthwatering. Although high in acid, low in alcohol (13.4%), and bone dry (at less than .25% sugar), this has great weight and near-perfect balance.