NORTHWEST WINES® Novelty Hill Chardonnay Stillwater Creek Vineyard 2013 (Columbia Valley, Washington) – 6045770907807

Notes from the Winemaker:

Tasting Notes:
Fresh pear aromas wrap around a core of cinnamon to introduce this mouth-filling wine. Juicy on the front of the palate with balanced acidity, a rich, round mid-palate, and a lengthy finish that leaves a delightful impression of stone fruit. – Mike Januik, Winemaker

Vintage:
The 2013 Columbia Valley growing season was the warmest vintage in ten years, producing ripe, aromatic wines that benefitted from extended hang-time thanks to a cooler than usual September. Bud break was early, followed by dry, warm weather that lasted until a lengthy rainstorm crossed the state in mid-June. Because of the precipitation, the vines established a solid canopy that protected the grapes from high temperatures that persisted through July and August. Harvest started early, but cool September temperatures slowed ripening considerably. By October, the Columbia Valley’s typical warm fall weather pattern returned and the grapes finish ripening beautifully to produce delicious, balanced wines with excellent acidity.

Vineyard:
Novelty Hill’s estate vineyard, Stillwater Creek, on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills in Washington State’s Columbia Valley, is notably for its unique soils. Fractured basalt found throughout the vineyard seems to impart an appealing mineral character to Chardonnay planted here. Innovative clonal selection distinguishes the vineyard as well, including Entav clone 95, a relative newcomer to the Columbia Valley.

Winemaking:
• Barrel fermented in 52% new, 48% used French oak
• Malolactic fermentation give the wine a rich, creamy mouth feel
• Sur lie aged for ten months to integrate the fruit and oak

Case Production 1,867
Alcohol 13.5%
pH 3.30
Total Acidity 0.56 g/100 ml

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast (2012 Vintage):
“Barrel-fermented and aged sur lie for 10 months, this elegant Chardonnay offers immaculate scents and flavors of lemon rind and pith, a dusting of spice, and a generous slice of ripe apple. It’s full and luscious in the mouth, with appealing texture, barrel toast and just a pat of butter in the finish.” – Paul Gregutt (7/1/2014)

89 Points – Wine Spectator (2012 Vintage):
“Light-footed, with an airy texture to the pear and floral flavors, picking up a lemony note as the finish lingers gently. Drink now through 2017. 1,380 cases made.” – HS (Dec 15, 2014)

89 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (2011 Vintage):
“The only white I was able to taste, the 2011 Chardonnay Stillwater Creek Vineyard is a delicious, well-made and borderline outstanding effort that offers up classy white peach, citrus and hints of almond paste to go with a medium-bodied, juicy and beautifully pure texture. Balanced, clean and hard to resist, it is a rock solid white that will drink nicely over the coming 2-3 years. Drink now-2016.” – Jeb Dunnuck (Jun 2013)

Stephen Tanzer (2011 Vintage):
“Bright, pale yellow. Pear, yellow peach, flowers and a touch of oak on the fresh nose. Supple and easygoing, showing a salty umami quality with understated fruit in the background. Finishes with a lemony edge.” – Stephen Tanzer (November 2013)