In Oregon, there has been an ongoing discussion for several years now about what the definitive style for Willamette Valley Chardonnay should be. Some producers up here gave up on Chardonnay years ago and just replaced it with Pinot Gris or Germanic varietals. Cornerstone has produced a style of wine with this vintage that should become the benchmark example of what Oregon Chardonnay should be. Aromas of orange groves in bloom, wet rocks from a clean mountain stream and a little tropical fruit notes almost leap from the glass. The texture in the mouth is vibrant, racy and full but not flabby. The flavor profile of the wine exudes the taste of the ripest juiciest pear you have ever tasted combined with lemon zest, fresh vanilla bean and a spicy clove finish.

Rating: Excellent (92) | $35 | 13.5% ABV