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1999 Ian's Reserve Chardonnay, 100% Dijon Clone

(updated 10/9/02)

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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. Named for Ian Peterson-Nedry who died on the first day of harvest for Dijon clones from our vineyards in 1996, it is our best white and, with vine age, may be one of the best chardonnays you've tasted. The Wine Advocate said the 1997 Ian's Reserve is "certainly one of the finest Oregon Chardonnays I have tasted to-date."

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 75, 76, 95 and 96 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 1999 vintage is a great year for white wines, a cool, long growing season, which retained acidity, ending in an improbable but welcome eight weeks of dry and moderately warm weather, which ripened fruit late but impeccably. White wines are bright with acidity, yet balanced with lush fruit. Ageability should be excellent.

Stats

Harvest Data:

Harvested in two lots (24% and 76%, respectively) on October 18 & 21, 1999 @23.6 & 23.8 brix, 3.31 & 3.39 pH and 7.8 & 6.7 g/L TA.

Fermentation:

Fermented using predominantly indigenous and CY3079 yeasts in French oak barrels from four coopers

Cooperage/Aging:

48% new oak (77% 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 12/1/00 with cold stabilization and filtration.

Bottling Analyses:

14.7% alcohol, 3.56 pH, 5.4 g/l TA and 0.17% residual sugar.

Cases Produced:

450 (12 bottle equivalents. Sold in 6 bottle cases.)

Suggested Retail:

$36

Release Date:

August, 2001

Winemaker's Comments

The fourth vintage of our Dijon clone reserve chardonnay, this is the best structured wine to-date, taking advantage of the cool growing season and sunny finish. 100% Dijon fruit, barrel fermented with approximately 50% new French oak. This is rich tropical fruit at an extreme of viscosity balanced with great acidity and finishing with creamy white fruit flavors.

Quotes

Oregon Wine Report, September 2002. Pungent aromas of freshly mown grass and cooked fruit, with a slightly smoky burnt edge.interesting contrast between up-front fruitiness and an aromatic spiciness that grows in the mouth to dominate the finish.

The Wine Advocate, August, 2001. 89 points. ... one of Oregon's finest chardonnays. The 1999 exhibits rich white fruit aromas intermingled with intense spices in its aromatic profile. Medium-bodied, fat and buttery, it offers layers of super ripe pears, white peaches, and candied apples in its intense, lush character.

The Oregonian, August 5,2001 by Heidi Yorkshire. Impressive wine. Elegant as a Persian cat posing by a window. Complex layers of fruit, minerals and perfectly calibrated oak … Only 450 cases were produced, so make haste if you want some.

Beverage Testing Institute, Tastings, Spring 2001. 91 Points. Deep golden-yellow hue. Generous aromas of toasted nuts and brown butter. Very unctuous and "oily ”on the full-bodied palate with well-integrated vanilla and oak spice flavors. Acidity is commendably fresh.