Woodward Canyon Celilo Chardonnay 1997
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Winemaker Notes
Whole cluster pressing gives lively, forward fruit and this chardonnay was fermented entirely with whole cluster pressed juice. Fermentation took place in Burgundy barrels from Francois Fresres, Sirugue, and Louis Latour, ranging in age from new to one year. malolactic fermentation, lees contact, and stirring by hand were employed in crafting this wine. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered, by gravity, in August 2000.
This is an elegant Celilo vineyard chardonnay. Complex flavors range toward spiced apple, creamy vanilla and toasted hazelnut. Thinning to primary clusters has given a richness and texture that I have not seen before! This wine will improve greatly with bottle age and should drink well for five to eight years. Because this wine is unfined and unfiltered, it is unable to withstand extreme temperatures. Please use care in your handling and storage of this very fragile wine.
Other Vintages
1999-
Spectator
Wine
The winery has consistently produced premium, age-worthy, award-winning Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots as well as Chardonnays. From the outset, Rick determined that quality would take precedence over quantity.
Consequently, Woodward Canyon has remained small. Woodward Canyon is located in Lowden in the Walla Walla Valley appellation. The tasting room is a restored 1870's farmhouse.
Woodward Canyon is a founding member of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and VINEA, the Walla Walla Valley Winegrowers' Sustainable Trust.