On Wine Hill 2020 Millerandage Chardonnay (Tualatin Hills)

This fascinating Chardonnay is made with clone 548, which is predisposed to "hens and chicks," hence the millerandage name. The smaller grapes have high skin-to-juice ratios resulting in serious tannic structure and naturally elevated acidity. It has aromas of grilled apricots, basil and a fresh scent I can only describe as chilled slices of cucumber. Peach and filbert flavors dominate the palate, along with notes of chalk, fresh-shucked oyster shell lining and the lemony scent of clean laundry hanging on the clothesline. Michael Alberty