Fossil & Fawn - Chardonnay Oregon 2023

Despite the apparent unfashionableness of being into Chardonnay, the Fossil & Fawn team are unrepentant lovers of this grape, which is finally having its renaissance in Oregon. 

Chardonnay carries a certain amount of baggage for many people, which sucks if it means they miss out on such a beautiful variety. We work with old-vine, Chardonnay that retains downright nervy acidity even through barrel aging in a combination of older French oak and newer Oregon oak. The wine is rich without being blousy, like fresh brioche topped with honeycomb spiked with slivers of preserved lemon.

The barrel fermentation, although using older wood, yielded aromas of toasted coconut and brioche that wrap around the core palate of yellow plum and beeswax. The richness provided by the extended lees contact is cut through on the finish with fresh, citrusy acidity, and savory minerality.  

Vibrant acidity, balanced richness, complex brioche, lemon and honeycomb.

Type: White
Producer: Fossil & Fawn
Varietal: Chardonnay
Country: United States
Region: Oregon
Farming: