Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Winderlea Vineyard & Winery – Chardonnay 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
This isn’t just any Willamette Chardonnay — it’s a benchmark. Crafted from a mosaic of top vineyards: Carabella (35%) in Chehalem Mountains, Hyland (33%) & Meredith Mitchell (23%) in McMinnville, and Winderlea Estate (9%) in Dundee Hills. Together, they deliver harmony and terroir depth that rivals fine Burgundy, while staying true to Oregon character.

Aromas & Flavors
Rich layers of peach, apricot, and crisp apple glide seamlessly into notes of citrus zest and a subtle kiss of toasted oak. The aromatic lift is both elegant and generous, hinting at orchard blossoms with a faint mineral streak.

Mouthfeel
Succulent and textured, yet framed with precision. Bright acidity keeps it vibrant, while a creamy mid-palate offers weight and length. Still radiant in 2018, showing both freshness and polish.

Winemaking Notes
Fermented and aged in French oak barrels with a Burgundian sensibility, highlighting texture over heaviness. A balance of fruit purity and oak finesse.

Food Pairing
Perfect with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken with herbs, or creamy risotto with chanterelles. Its lively acidity also makes it a stellar partner for soft cheeses.

Verdict
A standout Chardonnay from Oregon, balancing Burgundian elegance with Willamette soul. Priced above regional peers, but every sip justifies it. Truly one of the finest examples of Oregon Chardonnay in recent years. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Charles Sweeney

8.9

Good example of great Aussie aged Semillon for a very reasonable price. — 3 years ago

edward Simpson

9.0

Blackcurrants and red fruits, structured, smooth tannins Mitchell Wines Marcus Xmas X 6 lovely — 6 years ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Deep ruby color. Aromas of bazooka bubblegum, cherry and hint of sage. Very tasty cab blend- interesting aromas and full of red fruit on the palate. — 8 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

After about 90 minutes of air, the nose is showing sweet, dark berries, sandstoney gravel, smoke-infused sandalwood, olive, and sweet spice. Lots going on. Soft on entry, but tightens up a little after entry. Gorgeous savory flavors of dark minerals, rich cassis, and a bit of baker’s chocolate. As the finish goes on, the structure (lurking soft tannins and full body from the 14.4% alc) shows up. Very nice length. Drinks nicely now but certainly will age for another 7-10 years. — 2 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.2

Blackberry jam/cobbler, cloves, licorice, gun smoke, minerality, lavender. Lovely wine. — 5 years ago

with Krystal

Sarah Oettel

8.9

Nose is pure Campari. Slight hints of forest floor. — 7 years ago

Severn G

9.2

2003 | Red Meritage
(Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot / Cabernet Franc)
Rosenblum Cellars; Holbrook Mitchell (Vineyard) Trio
Napa Valley; Yountville, CA USA
(91-93; Drink 2023-33)

Perfect cork.

Fantastic ripe plum notes to the nose and palate. I don't know the exact blending percentages of the grapes, but assume CS is dominant since it's listed first on the back label. But, the Merlot is most prominent at this age and it's singing a beautiful song tonight after 3H in the decanter. Last bottle from release purchase in April 2006, winery direct. — a year ago

Karen Simmons

9.5

2021 Vintage as good as always. Happy days. — 3 years ago

Bertrand Morin

9.5

Gift from Simon. His friend made this wine. Insanely good. — 7 years ago