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1998 Ian's Reserve Chardonnay, 100% Dijon Clone

(updated 5/15/01)

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The Wine

Entirely Dijon clone, this is our attempt to make a fine white Burgundy, complete with richness, balance and great acid structure for aging. Name for Ian Peterson-Nedry who died on the first day of harvest of Dijon clones from our vineyards, it is our best white and, with vine age, may be one of the best chardonnays you've tasted. Robert Parker said the 1997 Ian's Reserve is "certainly one of the finest chardonnays that has been crafted in Oregon."

Dijon Clones

Acquired from Burgundy's collection of clones selected at the University in Dijon as vineyard replants, Dijon clones are well suited to the cool climate of Oregon. Ripening as in Burgundy, slightly before Pinot noir rather than two weeks afterwards as was common with the original clones selected for a warmer California climate, these clones revolutionize Oregon chardonnay. Over the last couple decades strong cooperation between Burgundians and Oregonians, led by Raymond Bernard and David Adelsheim, respectively, resulted in a number of these clones being brought into Oregon State University's clonal importation program. From the clones evaluated and sent through disease testing, the favorites seem to be 76, 95 and 96 and have now been propagated into thousands of cuttings which have been planted throughout the valley. Enough volume has been harvested to validate our initial impressions of broad flavors, richness and earlier ripening.

The Vineyard

Stoller Vineyards is our newest vineyard, containing state-of-the-art clones, rootstocks and planting densities, as well as full viticultural flexibility such as drip irrigation. Stoller has all important Dijon chardonnay clones, at two high densities. A warm site at the tip of the Dundee Hills, elevations range from 200-600 feet and soils are Jory, a soil series of deep, red volcanic loam. Site and clones assure full ripeness in all vintages.

The Vintage

The 1998 vintage is possibly the best we have yet seen in Oregon, or at least the equivalent of the highly touted 1994 vintage. The intensity of this vintage is due to a reduced crop yield and perfect ripening weather.

Stats

Harvest Data:

Harvested on October 5 & 6, 1999 @22.1 brix, 3.39 pH and 5.33 g/L TA.

Fermentation:

Fermented using 4 yeasts (including 26% indigenous and 50% CY3079) in French oak barrels from four coopers.

Cooperage/Aging:

47% new oak (68% new and 1use), and left on lees without racking for 13 months.

Clonal Selection:

100% Dijon clonal fruit (76, 95 & 96) from Stoller Vineyards, pressed whole cluster.

Bottling:

Bottled 12/15/99 with with no cold stabilization and no filtration (our first unfiltered white!).

Bottling Analyses:

13.9% alcohol, 3.63 pH, 5.2 g/l TA and 0.20% residual sugar.

Cases Produced:

475

Suggested Retail:

$32

Release Date:

August, 2000

Winemaker's Comments

The third vintage of our Dijon clone reserve chardonnay promises to be at least equivalent to the two wines above, and possibly superior. Beginning with a rich, full vintage and a reduced cropload, the 1998 is 100% Dijon fruit, barrel fermented with approximately 50% new French oak, and bottled unfiltered to maximize aromatics and texture (the first white we've ever bottled unfiltered). This is rich tropical fruit at an extreme of viscosity that borders on oily, long and slippery, with creamy white fruit flavors.

Quotes

The Wine Advocate Pierre Rovani, March 2001, 89. Certainly one of the finest Oregon Chardonnays I have tasted to-date ... offers aromas of tropical fruits loads of spices and hints of vanilla. The plump, yet well-balanced, medium-bodied wine is broad, pure, and has excellent amplitude. Superripe pears and apples can be found in its harmonious, well-crafted character.

Wine Iconoclast February 2001. So, how after all that oak did they come away with all these huge tropical fruit flavors? There's apricot, mango, spice and viscosity to weigh your jaw down. An edgy harshness adds real intensity. Big mouth-feel.

Friends of the Vine (Japan), Spring 2001 Newsletter. ... a full tropical fruit flavor envelops the tongue. A faint flinty fragrance blends beautifully with the aroma of apple and surrounds the mouth.

Tastings.com, January 2001, 89 Points

Natures Fresh Northwest, February 2001, I have never tried a Chardonnay from Oregon that I loved as much as this one. Am I lying? No this guy is rich, lush, original and starts from the tip of your tongue and glides to the back of your throat. It is not an every night drink, as with any wine, it is meant to accompany a pleasant evening with a strong association with memories.

Sherry and Randy Raskin, Chehalem Tasting Panel Members, Wonderful, fruity Burgundian chardonnay. A real winner.