2023 Bernau Block Chardonnay
Made with Dijon clones planted more than 20 years ago by Founder Jim Bernau who traveled with the Oregon Governor's Delegation to Burgundy in the 1980s to seek out French clones to improve our state's Chardonnay quality. The vines were brought back and quarantined at OSU before being propagated for use in Oregon vineyards.
On the Nose: Golden straw in color, with delicate aromas of honeysuckle, candied ginger, yellow kiwi, Meyer lemon and pineapple on the nose.
On the Palate: Notes of graham cracker and butterscotch warm the palate, balanced by fresh flavors of golden apple and white peach. Enjoy the wine's flavorful, lingering finish.
Food Pairings: Peak Drinkability: 2024 - 2030
Peak Drinkability: Perfect with main dishes featuring chicken, egg-based dishes like Quiche Lorraine and warm baked brie with bread.
Our experienced winery Ambassadors are here to assist you! Call the winery at (503) 588-9463 and ask to speak with an Ambassador about delaying the shipment of your order, winery pickup, temperature-controlled shipping during extreme heat or cold and other questions you may have about your order. An adult (age 21+) signature is required for wine deliveries. Owners and Club Members, please log in with the primary email address on your account to access discounts in our online shop.
At this time, we cannot ship this wine to the following states:
RI, IN, MS, NH, NJ, UT, WV
Limitations apply to: AL, AR, DE, LA and WY
"Wine made with consideration for the environment, employees, and community simply tastes better."
Jim Bernau, Founder/Winegrower
Bernau Block at the Willamette Valley Vineyards Salem Hills Estate
Willamette Valley AVA
In 1983, with the encouragement from winemakers making their move from California, Jim cleared an old pioneer plum orchard in the Salem Hills, hidden underneath scotch broom and blackberry vines to plant Pinot Noir. Unable to afford drip irrigation, he watered the vines by hand using 17 lengths of 75’ garden hose to get the grapelings through their first summer.
The vineyard site rises from 500-750 feet in elevation with seven to twelve degree slopes tilted toward the sun. As a result, the vines get excellent air drainage and are above the frost line. At this elevation and slope, the temperature is approximately 10 degrees cooler than the valley floor during the day.
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