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Watermill Winery 2015 Chardonnay
From apples to wine grapes...
The orchards around Milton-Freewater produce some of the best apples in the world. Over the last several decades, the Brown family has developed a reputation for producing some of the highest-quality fruit in the region. And their Blue Mountain Cider Company is renowned for its hard ciders.
A decade ago, the Browns decided to try their hand at wine. With several estate vineyards on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla AVA and The Rocks District AVA, they were committed to using sustainable farming practices to produce grapes deeply rooted in the terroir. At first, the plan was to grow grapes and sell them. But after a few years, the winemakers at Chateau Ste. Michelle told them the grapes were so good they should launch their own winery. And Watermill was born.
Now, Andrew Brown is the second-generation winemaker (and cidermaker) leading the way. Whether it's the classic Bordeaux blends or single-varietal wines like Mourvedre and Chardonnay, Watermill's wines are a showcase for the MiltonÂFreewater area.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Watermill Winery, Milton-Freewater, Oregon
2015 Chardonnay
Chardonnay. Again and again, when I uncork a Chardonnay in the Cellar 503 tasting room, I'll get that skeptical eyebrow-raise - "/ don't really like Chardonnay ... "
And then, I remind my fellow Oregon wine lover: Those California chardonnays that taste like you're chewing on the oak barrel itself? That's not what you'll typically find in Oregon. Here, winemakers are producing bright, crisp, and oh-so-tasty Chardonnays that - let's be honest - put the Californians to shame.
And this example from Watermill is no exception. Fermented in stainless steel and a little neutral oak, you're going to taste the fruit, not the barrel. You'll taste honeysuckle and ripe peaches, along with a little of that classic Chardonnay creaminess cut through with just enough acid to make it sing.
Just 110 cases produced!
A Cellar 503 selection in July 2017, Eastern Oregon Columbia Valley | Chardonnay
