Tasting Notes:
The aroma is complex, with layers of mineral, citrus, white flowers, and spice. On the palate, the wine is balanced, vibrant, and round with a clean finish. The natural acidity of the region is rounded by labor-intensive barrel fermentation and aging, and spontaneous Malolactic fermentation. Avni 2022 has nuances of lemon peel, green apple, river stone, and a softer edge of pear and quince in the background.
Vineyard Notes:
The 2022 Avni Chardonnay is sourced from multiple vineyards in the region, focusing on fruit grown on shallow volcanic soils. Sources include vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills and near Lingua Franca’s Bunker Hill Estate Vineyard, selected vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill Carlton, and a unique site in the Van Duzer Corridor with marine sediments.
Production Notes:
Whole cluster pressed with 2.5% crushed prior to pressing, settled in tank for 24 hours on average, barrel fermented with wild yeast and then aged in a combination of 26% new, 600-liter puncheons, 74% neutral large wooden casks and old French oak puncheons and barriques for 11 months sur lie. Primary and malolactic fermentation were spontaneous and completed in each barrel. The wines were then put back in closed tanks with their lees for six months prior to bottling.
