2-Hawk Vineyard & Winery, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Chardonnay 2019

 This small batch (200 cases made) Chardonnay highlights the estate’s unique volcanic Darow soil.  The 2019 harvest was slightly later than normal.  The juice was wild yeast fermented, and the wine was aged on the lees for 13 months in a combination of new and neutral French oak.  Light yellow-green in color, this Chardonnay begins with aromas of crisp ripe apple along with Meyer lemon.  With airing, it picks up a little fennel and a hint of almond.  On the palate it is solid and sturdy with delicious apple and citrus flavors and a subtle chalky, mineral note.  Smooth in texture, it holds together with good acidity that takes you to a refreshing, lengthy finish.  Flavors of apple and lemon curd linger and invite another sip.  Very well-balanced, it seems capable of rewarding several years of cellaring.