Pinot Blanc Freedom Hill, Kelly Fox Wines, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2022

Kelly Fox Wines, Dundee Hills & McMinnville 

The beautiful and historic Durant Vineyard was planted in 1973 by the Durant family, who continue to both live there and farm there. They are wonderful people, and it’s a dream come true to make wine from their vineyard. Durant Vineyard is on the southern slopes of the classic Dundee Hills neighboring Domaine Drouhin. The Dundee Hills for a very long time has been referred to as the “heart of the wine country”. Though the soil there is  volcanic with silt, clay, and loam (“Jory”), the Lark Block, the source of my Durant Chardonnay, is from a block of vines planted on a small parcel of unusual ancient marine soil in 1991. Just across the gravel road from the Lark Block is their olive orchard, and if you haven’t tried Durant olive oil, I highly recommend it. I love that olive trees border this block within the vineyard, too. Some of you know how much I love working with flower essences and with vines bordering trees. The olive flower essence is cited to “bring peace, regeneration, and restored balance” to the weary and exhausted. The Lark Block is planted to Dijon 76, known in Burgundy for producing nervy, finely-balanced, and elegant Chardonnay.

2019 is more like the most subtle in the range of Meursault. This Chardonnay tastes and drinks as 100% Oregon- using these terms only to help metaphorically describe their characters to help you decide.

Pale golden yellow, brilliant, and transparent. The nose begins with an almost heady, whirling nose of powdery minerals, ocean air, tropical fruits, and honey. These aromas are repeated in the mouth that has beautiful texture and racy acidity. I can’t wait to drink this in a few months and also in a few years.

Grape: Chardonnay

Biodynamic