The national wine press unfortunately branded the 2020 vintage as a failure in Oregon due to wildfire smoke. But as the wines have emerged, and I've tasted hundreds of them, it's clear that the 2020 white wines were exceptional. Why? Because it was a great vintage until the smoke hit, and these grapes were picked before it got smokey. As with so many other 2020 Oregon Chardonnays, this exceeds all expectations. It's leesy, with a palate-refreshing yeastiness, and anchored on a core of lemon, grapefruit and refreshing wet stone flavors. Barrel-fermented and aged in French oak puncheons, this delicious wine won't break the bank or your liver. It's just right for near term drinking. 

1500 cases; 13.3%; $26 (Van Duzer Corridor)

https://tinyurl.com/yt896zs4