2021
Conner Lee Chardonnay
2021
Conner Lee Chardonnay
The 2021 Jaine Reserve Conner Lee Chardonnay was crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Conner Lee vineyard in the Columbia Valley, WA. This single-vineyard wine was carefully selected from the finest premium barrel offerings of this vineyard.
During this vintage, a light crop load and meticulous canopy thinning contributed to concentrated flavors. The whole grape clusters were pristine in both appearance and taste. Canopy management and strategic irrigation techniques were employed to accentuate the unique characteristics of the vintage and the vineyard. Although sugars accumulated early, the cool fall temperatures allowed flavors to catch up, resulting in an expressive representation of this remarkable Chardonnay.
Harvest took place during the early mornings of the last week of September. At the winery, the fruit underwent whole-cluster pressing before fermentation in new and used 228L oak barrels.
For aging, French oak barrels were chosen to create layers of complexity—65% new barrels and 35% used barrels. The fermentation process lasted 3-4 weeks, and full malolactic fermentation added weight and a luscious, balanced texture. After aging for 22 months in new and used French barrels, the final blend was cold-stabilized in tanks before bottling, resulting in only 359 cases of this exceptional single-vineyard Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
Peach marmalade, wet stones, custard apple, honeycomb, butterscotch, and white flowers. Swirling brings ripe stone fruits, pineapple confiture, roasted marshmallows, nutmeg, and oak spice. The mouthfeel is broad, with remarkable structure and a phenomenal acid presentation. Ripe fruits dominate the mid-palate, but there are lots of citrus and spice components that remain towards the end of the wine. Extremely complex and layered, with a balanced oak profile, this beautiful Chardonnay finishes long, with the perfect amount of sweetness and lingering acidity. Enjoy now or in the next 20 years. Decanting is recommended.
Varietal Composition
100% Chardonnay
Vinification
Fermented 30+ days in 100% neutral French oak. Aged 23 months in neutral French oak.
Labeled Appellation
Conner Lee
Alcohol
14.6%
Cases Produced
359
Drinkability
Now - 2036
Trade Materials