Walter Scott X Novo Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (750ML)

98 DE / 97 JD / 95+ VM / 94 WA

#43 Vinous Top 100 2024

A stunning Chardonnay from the X Novo site in the Eola-Amity Hills. X Novo is intentionally diverse 15 clones of Pinot Noir and 20 clones of Chardonnay are intertwined and planted with serious density in this tiny site. Reductive chipped flint notes give way to Hawthorne, briny oyster shell elements, and lemon oil aromas. The palate is well composed—gorgeous layers of smoked citrus grilled ripe pineapple flesh, savoury, and thirst-slaking lemon verbena. A mineral spine looks down on it all. Simply gorgeous.-Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

The 2022 Chardonnay X Novo Vineyard pours a bright medium yellow-green hue, and in this vintage, it’s elegant and harmonious, with a ripe perfume of sweet flowers, lilac, candied lemon, and pristine ripe pear fruit. Medium-bodied, it fills out the palate with a more rounded feel and has a lovely texture, just a hint of citrus oils, a delicate almondine, clean feel, and a lovely, long finish with a pretty, delicately toasted feel. Its viscosity frames the wine beautifully, and I know there's high acidity, but it feels so appealing. Drink over the next 10-12 years. 410 cases were produced.-Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck

The 2022 Chardonnay X Novo Vineyard is rich, wafting up with a confectionary sweetness balanced by hints of crushed stone and peach sorbet. It’s silky and round with medium-bodied weight and vividly ripe orchard fruits, all guided by juicy acidity. The 2022 is weightier and more concentrated than expected, yet with an energy and mineral intensity to balance, leaving a salty flourish and silty tannins to linger on. -- Eric Guido, Vinous Media

The 2022 Chardonnay X Novo Vineyard comes from vines planted in 2011 in volcanic soils. It fermented and matured in 80% new, 350- and 500-liter barrels for 12 months and finished with three months in stainless steel. It releases wafts of matchstick, cinnamon and spice before revealing a core of apple pie. The light-bodied palate is taut and shimmery with full, spicy flavors and a long, spicy finish. It deserves 3–5 years to harmonize in bottle. 425 cases were made.--Erin Brooks, The WIne Advocate

Are These The Best White Wines in America? Walter Scott’s Chardonnays have yet to get all the attention they deserve. Don’t expect that to last forever.
A very singular vineyard that was planted in 2011 with around 20 different clones. The wine reflects that; expect a shape-shifting and even slightly psychedelic vibe. Orchard fruits and starfruit—even hints of tropical fruit— move in and out of frame. Definitely needs time to come together, but even in its youth, it spreads over the palate seductively. Really fascinating stuff from a fascinating vineyard, and quite distinct from the rest of Walter Scott’s other excellent Chardonnays. These vines are still young, but the vineyard clearly has its own personality; tracking the evolution of this wine, and this vineyard, will be very rewarding. - Jon Fine, New Wine Review